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Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

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CIHM/ICMri 

Mjcrofpche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


CanacJian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiq 


ues 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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D 


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D 
D 
D 


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J    along  interior  margin/ 

Lareliure  serres  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
iistorsion  le  long  da  la  marge  Int6rieure 


D 


n 


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L'Institut  a  microfilm*  le  msilleur  exemplairs 
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This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 
Ce  document  est  film«  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous. 
^°X  14X  18X  22X 


12X 


V 


16X 


20X 


26X 


30X 


24X 


2tX 


32X 


re 

fetalis 
as  du 
■nodifier 
9r  une 
ilmage 


IS 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canada 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
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filming  contract  specifications. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
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sion,  or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ^-  (meaning  "COIM-. 
TIIMUED"),  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"}, 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  m  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


L'exemplaire  film6  fut  reproduit  grSce  d  la 
g6n6rosit6,de: 

BibJiothdque  nationale  du  Canada 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6td  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nattet6  de  l'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
nonformitd  avac  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Les  exempla^res  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  iniprim6e  sont  film6s  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  viui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  fous  les  autres  exemplaires 
origiriaux  sont  film6s  en  commenpant  par  !a 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  tarminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  fe  symbole  — ^signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "Fli>;". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc..  peuvent  Stre 
film^s  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  §tre 
reproduit  en  un  seui  clich6,  il  est  film6  d  partir 
de  Tangle  supdrieur  gauche,  de  gauche  it  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  baiS,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


rrata 
to 


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1  d 


J 


32X 


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2 

3 

1 

2 

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4 

5 

6 

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CAMPAIG 


[JNTEUESTING 

Military  . 

a  Aff 

C 


<( 


NOTHTNG 


PRINl 


■  «4»Aiittmiiiii»i 


iillMi<fc.,^..«>  ...rt^.**''ijSi»„». 


TIEWS 


OF 


THE  CAMPAIGNS 


at 


CC 


OF  THE 


NORTH  WESTERN  ARMY,  &a 

COMPRISING, 

SKKTCHES 

*  Ctt  THlt 

CAMPAIGNS  OF  GENERALS  HULL  AND  HARRISON  ; 

A  MIKITTB  AND 
JNTEUESTING  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  NAVAL  CONFLICT  ON  LAKE  ERIE; 

Military  Anecdotes 46mea  in  the  army-^Pian  of 

a  Military  Settlement — Fie-w  of  the  Lake 
Coast  from  Sandusky  to  Detroit, 


t( 


BY  SAMUKL  R.  BROWN. 


NOTHTKO  EXTENUATE,  NOK  SET  DOWN  ACOHT  IN  MAIICE." 


PUILAimLPHM  : 

PRINTED  FOR  WILLIAM  G.  MURPHEY,    ^ 

NO.  352,  NOUTH  xHinn  stueetw 

Grig^  &  Oickinsont,  Printers. 

1815« 


■aHMWBuaaiiaab. 


FS07s3 

■S 


275689 


o  /^y 


WW 
mality  < 
ject,  wl 
Campai 

The 
frontier, 
United 
a  respec 
Territoi 
the  Ind 
less  coi 
die  mo 
rendered 
expedit' 
ported, 
consequ 
of  mucl 

Wei^ 

force  sh 
a  requis 
was  mai 
upon  ii 
mandan 


VIKWS 

or 
THE  CAMPAIGNS 

OP  THB 

NORTH-WESTERN  ARMY,  &c 


Without  detaining  the  reader  with  the  for- 
mality of  a  preface^  I  come  directly  to  my  ob- 
ject, which  IS,  to  give  an  impartial  view  of  the 
Campaigns  of  the  North-Western  Army,  &c. 

The  aspe  t  of  affairs  jn  the  north-western 
frontier,  had  determined  the  executive  of  the 
United  States,  as  early  as  April,  18 12,  to  send 
a  respectable  military  force  into  the  Michigan 
Territory.  The  open  hostility  of  several  of 
the  Indian  tribes  in  that  quarter ;  the  defence- 
less condition  of  the  frontier  inhabitants  and 
the  moral  certainty  of  a  war  with  England, 
rendered  this  measure  indispensible.  If  the 
expedit*  a  had  been  as  ably  executed  and  sup- 
ported, as  it  was  wisely  planned,  the  happiest 
consequences  would  have  resulted — the  effusion 
of  much  blopd  prevented. 

Weighty  considerations  required  that  this 
force  should  be  promptly  raised.  Accordingly 
a  requisition  for  a  detachment  of  1500  men, 
was  made  to  the  governor  of  Ohio,  who  there- 
upon immediately  issued  orders  to  the  com- 
mandants of  divisions  to  furnish  500  men  each. 


l\ 


a 


■f ' 


i 


her^s  of  -1  ij)pecannoe,  under  Col.  Miller,  were 
at  the  same  time  ordered  to  descend  the  Ohio 
from  Pittsburgh,  ami  join  the  detachment  at  the 
general  rendezvous.  ' 

Government  oug/it  at  the  same  time  to  have 
commenced  the  building  of  two  twenty  gun 
brigs  at  Lne— the  command  of  the  lakes  being 
^I-important  to  the  success  of  land  operations^ 
buppose  general  Hull  had  taken  Maiden,  howi 
was  he  to  receive  supplies,  while  the  British 
conti-ouled  the  navigation  of  Lake  Erie,  and 
-  while  the  savages  commanded  the  forests  and 
could  ambush  die  convoys  of  provisions,  at 
e\  ery  half  mile,  for  a  distance  of  200  miles  ? 

.rJ^A  *^«J^^  o'-ganizingthe  Ohio  troops  de- 
volved  on  Gpvenior  Meiga  They  were  com. 
posed  entirely  of  volunteers.  The  men,  widi 
the  exception  of  the  senior  officers,  were  in  the 
very  prime  of  life,  and  animated  with  a  noble 
ardor  in  their  country's  cause.  The  rankswere 
tilled  with  uncommon  expedition,  and  partly  by 
citizens  ofthe  first  distinction,  ^      ^    > 

-The  exertions  of  the  governor  on  this  oc 
casion,  ought  never  to  be  forgotten.  With  a 
celerity  never  before  equalled  in  a  new  conn, 
try,  he  collected,  from  every  mrt  of  the  state 
a  corps  of  1500  men  and  organized  them  into 
three  regiments,  the  command  of  which,  the 


»i 


roops  conferred  on  Cols*  M'Arthur,*  Cass,  and 
'indley. 

The  duties  of  his  excellency  became  ardu- 
ous   and    important.      Arms,    accoutrement, 
Jamp  equipages  and  stores,   were  all  to  be 
)rovided.     The  public  arsenal  could  furnish 
)ut  little;   rifles,  knapsacks,    biankets,  tents, 
>ullet-moulds — every  thing  in  short  was  want- 
ig ;  however,  the  creative  genius  of  governor 
leigs  and  the  patriotism  of  the    Ohionians, 
supplied  all  deficiencies,  and  the  detachment 
Lvas  shortly  placed  in  a  condition  for  march- 

re- 

The  troops  rendezvoused   at  Dayton,    on 
[ad  River.     On  the  25th  of  May,  governor 
[eigs  surrendered  the  command  to  br>adier 
jen.  Hull,  who  had  been  appointed  to  conduct 
le  expedition ;  he  had  been  at  the  seat  of  go- 
vernment in  April,  where  he  had  made  arrange- 
lents  for  the  campaign.     His  orders  were  ais- 
rrctionary. 


I   '  I 
I  '   I 


•  When  Col.  M' Arthur  received  orders  to  furnish  his 
juota  from  his  division,  he  addressed  his  fellow  citizens, 
[and  after  a  handsome  exposition  of  the  causes  and  the  ne- 
Icessity  of  an  appeal  to  arms,   said, — "  Volunteers   from 
[every  part  of  the  division  will  be  accepted  until  the  number 
[required  is  made  up.    I  shall  myself  be  one  of  them.— 
[Should  the  detachment  from  the  second  division  think  pro- 
per to  honour  me  with  the  command,  I  will  accept  of  it, 
otherwise  I  will  cheerfully  shoulder  my  firelock  and  march 
in  the  ranks." 

A  2 


calculatcci  to  produce  a  deep  impression  •  h.i 
hanked  them  in  the  name  of  thZSent  o 

Ss^7  «^'«'.o^ganizing  and  would  follow| 
Gen.  Hull  followed  •— "  In  immh*     th        i, 

whth  rh    r",'""  T^^mber  the  causes  bv 
M  that  barbarity  has  been  heretofore  ex' 

,h^i  A  r"'^"'"'?  *^  ?^°"nd  stained  with 
the  Wood  of  your  fellow  citizens,  it  will  be  im 
possible  to  suppress  the  feelings  of  ind  Jmti™ 
Passing  by  the  ruins  of  a  fo.^ss,»  erected  h 
our  territory  in  times  of  profound  peace  and 
Z  f^uT^^  P">poseof  exciting  the  sava- 

meals  nf    ''"^  ""■    '^"PP'>"'&  "'^">  ^^ith  the 
means  of  conducting  a  barbarous  war.  must 

remind  you  of  that  system  of  oppressTon  and 

.^  and  which  the  spirit  of  an  indignant  peo- ' 
pie  can  no  longer  endure." 

frnnnc*''^  do-^of  thc  general's  speech,  the 

imllr'?'"'"*'  ""*'  ^^^  ^^^  'Cheers  as  a  tes-' 
timonial  of  respect  for  their  beloved  chief  ma- 
gistrate  and  their  new  commander. 

On  the  27th  gen.  Hull' pitched  his  tent  in| 


^ 


IS  tent  in 


camp  Meigs,  on  the  western  bank  of  the  river, 
and  on  the  same  day  the  United  States'  flag  was 
I  hoisted.  At  the  rising  of  the  flag,  the  troops 
formed  a  hollow  square  around  the  standard, 
expressive  of  their  determination,  not  to  surren- 
der it  but  with  their  lives. 

On  this  occasion  Col.  Cass  said : 
"  Felbw  Citizens — 

"  The  standard  of  your  country  is  display- 
ed. You  have  rallied  round  it  to  defend  her 
rights  and  to  avenge  her  injuries.  May  it  wave 
protection  to  our  friends  and  defiance  to  our 
enemies :  and  should  it  ever  meet  in  the  hostile 
field,  I  doubt  not  that  the  eagle  of  liberty, 
which  it  bears  will  be  found  more  than  a  match 
for  the  lion  of  England." 

The  fourth  regiment  having  joined  general 
Hull,  the  army  removed  from  Dayton  on  the 
1st  of  June,  and  commenced  its  march  for  De- 
troit. 

Gov.  Meigs  accompanied  the  army  to  Ur^ 
banna,  for  the  purpose  of  holding  a  council 
with  12  Indian  chiefs  of  the  lake  tribes.  It 
was  agreed  to  renew  the  treaty  of,  Greenville  ; 
after  smoaking  the  calumet  of  peace,  both 
parties  called  on  the  Great  Spirit  to  witness 
the  sincerity  of  their  professions.  The  In- 
dians appeared  unusually  friendly,  gave  per- 
mission to  gen.  Hull  to  march  through  their 


i 


■MMHf 


8 

countiy,  and  to  erect  block  houses  cverv  20 
miles,  which  he  did.  , 

From  Urbanna  to  the  Rapids  of  Miami  is 
150  miles.     The  rout  of  the  army  was  through 
a  thick  and  almost  trackless  forest.     As  there 
^T  /  ^^^*  number  of  baggage  waggons  at- 
tached  to  the  army,   it   became  necessary  to 
open  a  new  road  the  whole  distance.     The 
soil  of  the  land  was  moist,  being  in  many  pla- 
ces a  perfect  swamp.     The  weather  was  rainy 
and  man  ard  horse  had  to  travel  mid  leg  deep 
in  mud.     Frequently  the  van  had  to  halt  for 
the ,  rear,   m  hich  was  as  often  detained  in  its 
march  in  relieving  waggons  and  horses  from 
the  mire. 

Almost  every  officer  and  soldier  of  general 
Hull's  army,  with  whom  I  conversed  on  the 
subject,  concurred  in  stating  that  the  march  of 
the  army  from  Dayton  to  Detroit  was  as  rapid 
as  was  practicable,  considering  the  natural  ob- 
stacles to  be  overcome.     Most  of  them,  how- 
ever, charge  him  with  a  vain  show  of  military 
parade  in  passing  small  rivers.     His  plan  of 
encampment,  at  night,  was  a  hollow  square, 
defended  always  by  a  temporary  breast  work 
of  felled  trees.     The  troops  received  no  annoy- 
ance from  the  enemy,  on  their  march,  if  we  ex- 
cept the  wounding  of  a  centinel,  who  was  shot 
through  both  thighs. 


were  one 


When  the  troops  arrived  at  the  Rapids  of   I  gadoes  fr 


4L 


every  20 

Miami  is 
s  through 

As  there 
ggons  at- 
essary  to 
;e.  The 
lany  pla- 
V'38  rainy 
leg  deep 

halt  for 
?d  in  its 
ses  from 


'  general 
i  on  the 
narch  of 
as  rapid 
iiral  ob- 
1;  how- 
military 
plan  of 
square, 
it  work 
annoy- 
'  we  ex- 
^as  shot 


ipids  of 


9 


[he  Miami  of  the  Lakes,  the  general  put  cii 
)oard  a  small  vessel  the  baggage  and  hospital 
itores  of  the  army  with  30  men  and  several  of- 
icers*  wives,  with  directions  to  sail  to  Detroit, 
ffhis  was  a  fatal  error ;  for  the  British  having 
m  apprized  of  the  declaration  of  war,  cap- 
tured the  vessel  at  Maiden.  Thus  the  army 
sustained  a  serious  and  irreparable  loss ;  it  is 
;ven  said  that  the  general's  trunk,  containing 
lis  instructions  and  a  copy  of  the  declaration 
jof  war,  was  taken  ?.  the  vessel.  He  had  been 
previously  notified  of  the  existence  of  war  with 
[England ! 

The  Americans  readied  Detroit  on  the  6th 
I  of  July,  after  having  patiently  endured  in. 
credible  fatigue,  and  the  privations  peculiar 
to  a  march  of  150  miles  extent,  through  a  wil* 
Idemess. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  Michigan  Territory, 
were  pleased  at  the  well-timed  appearance  of 
so  numerous  a  force,  but  they  regretted  the 
choice  made  in  the  commander  in  chief.  The 
general,  while  governor  of  the  territory,  had 
never  been  fortunate  enough  to  command  the 
popular  confidence,  though  many  of  his  offi- 
cial acts  were  certainly  founded  in  political 
wisdom.  However,  600  of  the  territorial  mi- 
litia, rallied  under  his  standard,  among  whom, 
were  one  company  of  free  blacks,  mostly  rene* 
gadoes  fi^om  Kentucky. 


^v 


VI   I 


On  the  evening  of  the  12th  of  July,  J 
Hull  crossed  the  river  Detroit,  at  the  LD 
more  than  2000  men  and  tn^v  V,~.  ■  I 
Sanrli^:,.!,    (•  ! .  ;    ."  '°°*  possession  oj 

Ws  a^n^^i    V''"^':.*^  enem/retreated  a 
Ills  approach.     Here  he  fixed  the  Americail 
standard,  and  issued  the  foUowing  proctZ^ 

Maiitants  of  Canada/ 

tJ^T-J^J^I  ^"^  "^  P^^'^e  and  prosperitvj 
tfje  United  States  has  been  driven  to  WsJ 
The  mjunes  and  agcTessions,  the  insults  and 
mdigmties  of  Great  Britain  have  once  nxo^ 
left  them  no  alternative  but  manly  resistonce 
or  unconditional  submission.    Th^  ^^ 
der  my  cornmand  has  invaded  your  country  • 
he  standard  of  the  Union  now  waves  ov^le 
oSi^  ?f  Canada.    To  the  peaceab^un! 
Z^ffi^  '"habitants,  it  brings  neither  danger 

maJce  them.  I  come  to  protect,  not  to  injure  you. 

Separated  by  an  immense  ocean  and  an  ex- 
tensive wilderness  from  Great  Britain,  you 
have  no  participation  in  her  councils,  no'm- 
terest  m  her  conduct.  You  have  felt  Jier  tv- 
ranny,  yon  have  seen  her  injustice.  But  I  do 
notasK  you  to  avenge  the  one,  or  to  redress 
tiic  other.     The  Unitea  States  are  sufficiently 

S^r.^!*°-f°'^  T'y  ^«=""y  consistent 
with  their  rights  and  your  expectations      I 

tender  you  the  invaluable  blessing  of  civil,  po- 

Uucal  and  rehgious  liberty,  ani  their  ner^. 


11 


ir   necpff. 


ry  result,  individual  and  general  prosperity  j 

lat  liberty  which  gave  decision  to  our  coun- 
|ils,  and  energy  to  our  conduct  in  a  struggle 

)r  independence, — which  conducted  us  safely 
Ind  triumphantly  through  the  stormy  period 
bf  the  revolution- — that  liberty  which  has  rais- 
fd  us  to  an  elevated  rank  among  the  nations 
)f  the  world ;  and  which  offered  us  a  greater 

leasure  of  peace  and  security,  of  wealUi  and 
Improvement,  dian  ever  fell  to  the  lot  of  any 

jople.  In  the  name  of  my  country,  and  the 
luthority  of  government,  I  promise  you  pro- 
jection to  your  persons,  property  and  rights; 
remain  at  your  homes ;  pursue  your  peaceful 
md  customary  avocations;  raise  not  your 
lands  against  your  brethren.  Many  of  your 
fathers  fought  for  the  freedom  and  indepen- 
lence  we  now  enjoy.  Being  children  there- 
Ifore  of  the  same  family  with  us,^  and  heirs  to 
[the  same  heritage,  the  arrival  of  an  army  of 
friends  must  be  hailed  by  you  with  a  cordial 
welcome.  You  will  be  emancipated  from  ty- 
ranny and  oppression,  and  restored  to  the  dig- 
|nified  station  of  freedom.  Had  I  any  doubt 
of  eventual  success,  I  might  ask  your  assist- 
ance, but  I  lio  not,  I  come  prepared  for  every 
contingency.  I  have  a  force  which  will  look 
down  all  opposition,  and  that  force  is  but  the 
vanguard  of  a  much  greater — If,  contrary  to 
your  own  interest  and  the  just  expectation  of 
my  country,  you  should  take  part  in  the  ap- 
proaching contest,  vou  will  be  considered  ^x'\ 


11 1 


wTif!it'"v^f  "^  hoiTors  and  calamities  of  wa 
Will  btalk  before  you.     If  the  barbarous  anJ 

advdges  are  let  loose  to  murder  our  citi^-enJ 

WAR  WILL  BE  A  WAR  OF  KXTESMlNATIov] 

The  firs  stroke  of  the  tomahawk-the  fim  ad 
nal  ot  an  indiscriminate  scene  of  desolution 
foSi?^,rtti"  ''^"•''"S  by  the  siS  ofTj 

See  nnrf  l!'         -^^  ''"=^*^''  "^  "^^son,  duty, 
justice  and  humanity  cannot  prevent  the  em 

P^^ymentof  a  forceWh  i^s^te  no  rfghTj 

riv^'^ir  T"F'  '*  ^"  »^  ^evented  by 
IdoubTnnT  '^'^"t'«'«- system  of  retaliation, 
i-f. .?  K?'  ^"^  '^"'"^g^  «"d  firmness— I  wUl 
not  doubt  your  attachment  to  liberty.  If  C 
tender  your  services  voluntarily,  tL  wUl  te 
accepted  readily.  The  United  Stoes  offe 
you  peace,  liberty  and  security.     Your  choS 

l^  I  ^}"^^  *«"'  but  choose  wiselv  • 
and  may  he  who  knows  the  justice  of  ourwul 
and  who  holds  in  his  handV  fate  rnaS 
guide  you  to  a  result  the  most  compatible  S 
jourrightsand  intei^sto,  your  peac?  ^d  ^™ 

in3I^%''Tl'*"'^*'''".'^'"'  '^^I'  calculated  to 
inspire  confidence  and  secure  the  friendship 

^  the  Canadians,  such  indeed  was  its  influence^ 

--  _^  j,.^„^v*  i^civoi  uic  muitia  in  the  ser- 


1^ 


13 


iiQC  of  the  crown,  actually  deserted  and  either 
ktired  to  their  home  or  joined  the  American  army. 

However,  when  our  army  first  made  its  ap- 
=arance  on  the  Canada  shore,  the  inhabitants 
i^ere  frightened  and  sought  refuge  in  swamps 
land  forests,  from  an  enemy  whom  they  were 
taught  to  believe  were  more  cruel  and  rapa- 
Icious  than  savages ;  but  when  they  perceived 
[the  troops  were  not  disposed  to  injure  their  per- 
Isons  or  property,  they  returned  to  their  homes 
in  full  confidence  of  protection. 

The  Indians  appeared  to  hesitate  in  the 
[choice  of  friends,  being,  no  doubt,  awed  into 
\neutrality  by  so  sudden  and  unexjiected  a  dis- 
play of  American  power  on  the  north-western 
frontier. 

*  ■ 

The  troops  were  in  high  spirits,  anxious  to 
be  led  against  the  enemy's  post  at  Fort  Mai- 
den— at  that  time  indefensible  and  feebly  gar- 
risoned. The  moment  seemed  favourable  to 
strike  an  important,  perhaps  a  decisive  blow. 
American  patriots  throughout  the  Union  were 
waiting  with  torturing  impatience  for  the  "  glo- 
rious news!"  that  the  stars  and  stripes  waved 
over  the  ramparts  of  blood-stained  Maiden, 
Alas !  what  a  cruel  disappointment  were  they 
doomed  to  experience ! 

Cpl.  M*  Arthur  was  detached  with  about  150 

B 


I 


14 

»nen  to  the  river  Thames,  where  he  cawurerl 
a  considerable  quantity  of  provisions!  Slt^ 
arms  and  ammunition.     Another  nnrlt' 
sent  toBeUe  Dbnne,  for  tte  jjj.^'^^secul 
ring  several  hundred  merino  shSn    rtL 
perty  of  the  Earl  of  S^Z     T^se  1^" 
met  v..th  no  opposition  and  were  Srfh^ 
friendly  manner,  by  the  inhabitants  *' 

28?men^^^*  *^°'-- ^"^^  was  detached  with  I 
nfi      T  °  •^'=°n'«»tre  the  enemy's  advan^d 

K;  '^l  """^  ^°'"^  ^"  possesion  rf«,e 
S  den°''"Af,"^  *^l"-""''*  "^^■•'  5  miles  from' 
ance  of  ,h^       "^"•'"'^  ?  ''"'t^^le  reconnois- 

ascend^nlh.    "^T"'  *''''  ^^"^^''^nt  "ffcer 
ascended  the  nver  about  5  mi'es  to  a  foid  and 

thence  down  on  the  south  side  to  the^^mv 

whom  he  attacked  and  drove  Irem  theiT;^: 

W  ■     I  '*  r*  *^  ^^^  time  smce  the  ^o- 

to  hrl  r  "^'■''^"''"■^-  Our  men  moved 
Ae  en^'1  ""*^  ^^  ^P^*-  Three  times 
nLhTT-     T'f'^'  "^^  ^*  °ften  retreated.- 

pursuit.     Lol.  Cass  encamped  on  the  scene  of 

fu  S  t";^  *^  ""'t''  «"d  °"  *"  18  "ref 
turned  to  camp,  without  further  molestation 
If  the  enemy  had  been  then  in  fo^   wouM 

&°VorT«  "' V"!,  P^^  ''^"""'  h^"  ti 
merty   tor  having  thus  dai«d  to  sleen  with  » 

small  detachment,  within  less  than  5  rSCfronJ 
their  mam  depot  of  men  and  stores? 


15 


Other  small' detachments  were  occasionally 
[sent  down  to  the  river  Aux  Cannards,  to  dis- 
cover the  force  and  position  of  the  enemy ; 
the  result  was  frecjuent  skirmishing  without 
'material  loss  to  either  side.  In  one  of  those 
rencontres  however,  the  Americans  lost  7 
killed  and  10  wounded.  The  horse  of  Col. 
M* Arthur  was  shot  under  him.  The  Queen 
Charlotte,  which  was  at  anchor,  off  the  mouth 
of  the  Aux  Cannards,  saluted  our  men  with 
several  broadsides.  Col.  M* Arthur  and  Capt. 
PuthofF,  being  on  a  reconnoitering  excursion 
very  narrowly  escaped  falling  into  an  am- 
bush of  the  Indians.  Such  was  the  nature  of 
the  petite  guerre  maintained  in  Canada  while 
our  troops  were  in  possession  of  Sandwich,  it 
had  no  visible  object  and  served  only  to  depress 
the  ardour  of  oui'  troops  and  encourage  the  en- 
emy. ^ 

In  the  mean  while  Michilimackinac  had 
surrendered  to  the  enemy  without  resistance, 
a  reinforcement  of  400  regulars  under  the  in- 
defatigable Brock,  had  arrived  at  Maiden,  and 
numerous  Indian  chiefs  began  to  take^heir 
ground. 

On  the  4th  of  August  Major  Van  Horn  was 
detached  with  200  men,  principally  riflemen, 
to  proceed  to  tlie  river  Raisin,  for  the  purpose 
of  escorting  a  convoy  of  provisions  to  the  ar- 
my. At  Brownstown,  a  large  body  of  Indians 
had  formed  an  ambuscade,  and  our  troops  re- 


J 


im 


ceived  a  ga"ing  fire  at  the  distance  onlv  of  inl 

retreated  in  disorder.     Major  Van  Horn  madf 
every  exertion  to  rally  them  but  in  va"n    ol 

omLers,  4  Captains  and  3  Lieutenants. 

The  names  of  the  brave  captains    vhn  fell 
and  whose  bodies  were  shockingly  manSb" 

oesSl'  cI^mT^P*  ''^"^"«^  P'-^^^'l  ""sue. 
-    wifh  «nn         ^^'"^''  "'''^  detached  on  the  8th 

protect  ^hT"'  *°  -^""'^1  Pmmunication,  an  J 
escort  of  r  P^w '°'f  "i'^"^  ^^^'••^  ""der  the 

sisted  of  r^^P  •  ^'■"1-^J''^  detachment  con- 

Msted  of  regulars  and  Ohio  and  Michigan  vo 

nnteers.     On  the  9th  about  4  o'clocrp  M 

Ss  fire!  „,'■''■  ?'"'"=>"'J^d  by  capt.  Snelii nj 
Mas  iired  upon  by  an  extensive  line  of  Britis^i 
roops  and  Indians  at  the  lower  end  of  the  vi 
age  of  Maguago,  14  miles  from  Detroit     A 
this  time  the  main  body  were  marching  in  tvvo 
columns  at  the  distance  of  half  a  mile^    C  pt 
Snclhng  maintained  his  position  in  a  most  II 
ant   manner    under  a  very  heavy  fire,  unt  1 
the  line  was  formed  and  advanced  to  his  relief 
when  the  H'hole,  excepting  the  rear  guard,  was 
brougfe  into  action.     T&  enemy  lere  form 

eel   behind  a  hrf>Qcf   tt.^^I.  ^rr„ii,j  .  .." 

.  — n^^  nv/*iv  \ji  iciica  trees  vviiich 


17 

Ithey  had  been  several  days  preparing.  The 
I  moment  Col.  Miller  had  brought  up  his  troops 
[in  line,  the  enemy  sprang  from  their  hiding 
places  and  formed  in  line  of  battle.  A  scene 
that  would  appal  the  stoutest  heart  now  pre- 
sented itself.  The  Americans  had  to  contend 
with  a  force  one  third  greater  than  their  own. 
Five  hundred  Indians  almost  entirely  naked, 
I  were  fighting  on  almost  every  side,  led  on  and 
encouraged  by  British  officers  and  savage  chiefs. 
But  American  valour  rose  superior  to  every 
j  thing.  Our  troops  charged  and  drove  the 
enemy  inch  by  inch,  2  miles,  to  the  village  of 
Brownstown,  where  the  British  took  to  their 
boats  and  the  Indians  to  the  woods.  When 
the  enemy  were  in  full  rout,  Col.  Miller  direct- 
ed a  troop  of  cavelry  to  charge  and  cut  them 
up— but  they  could  not  be  made  to  advance, 
although  capt.  Snelling  offered  to  head  them  in 
person.  This  cowardice  of  the  cavelry  alone 
saved  the  enemy  from  total  destruction,  for  the 
British  were  in  complete  disorder  and  their  guns 
unloaded. 

Col.  Miller  having  thus  opened  the  way, 
was  determined  to  push  on  to  the  river  Raisin, 
but  received  a  peremptory  order  from  Gen. 
Hull  to  return  to  Detroit,  which  he  obeyed  the 
day  after  the  battle.  On  their  return  towards 
Detroit,  our  troops  were  frequently  fired  up- 
on from  the  brig  Hunter,  which  took  several 
positions  for  that  purpose ;  even  the  wounded 

B2 


18 

^  •       ■  .  I 

the.  Water,  dtS  t' fe  "'  '^''"'-'"• 

ing  the  object  ortlX^ir'Tl^'^^K 

Mller%reJ'Srb;£*;./°'- 

the  leg.  Lieutenant  L^Li""''"'  "'°"ndedin 
oficers  distSrhed'fh^^'?'*'"''!^?'-   These 

teers  conducted  in  ',   r  Michigan  voiun- 

manner.   °"^J^  "»  "  brave  and  soldier-like 

S«ri!f>''  in  his  official  dScftnth"''™'^"*-  '''^^ge- 
dated  Sept.  16,  igjs  that    ♦  tt  ^  secretary  of  war 

"-ted  in  mak  ng  prei^L^' Hnn^^f  ^^'^'**  industry  was  ex! 
was  not  until  the  nh?f  a  »  *  ^  ^  ^"^'^'^  Maiden]  and  It 
tiiree  howitzers  were  prfpTed  '^V'"'  24  poundtrs  and 
a->.  except  those  c? ^K.entf  ^^ ^^?  .^'i^^^! 


'  i!'^  r- 


i' 


19 


le  cannon  were  mounted  and  every  prepa- 
Ition  made  *br  an  immediate  investment  of 
[alden.  At  a  council,  at  which  were  pre- 
ht  all  the  field  officers,  says  col.  Cass  in  his 
tficial  letter  to  the  secretary  of  war,  and 
Ihich  was  held  two  days  before  the  prepara- 
Sns  were  completed,  it  was  universally 
rreed  to  make  an  attempt  to  accomplish  the 
bject  of  the  expedition.  If,  by  waiting  two 
ays,  they  could  have  the  service  of  their 
?avy  artillery,  it  was  agreed  to  wait,  if  not, 
was  determined  to  go  without  it,  and  attempt 
^e  place  by  storm.  This  opinion  appeared 
^  correspond  with  the  views  of  the  command- 
in  chief,  and  the  day  was  appointed  for 
)mmencing  their  march.  Gen.  Hull  declar- 
1  to  the  officers  that  he  considered  himself 
Jledged  to  lead  the  army  to  Maiden.  The 
imunition  was  placed  in  the  waggons;  the 


ks  of  the  Michigan  Territory  and  of  Sandwich,  were  m- 
fisinoualy  employea  27  long  summer  days,  in  mountine 
It^e  carnage  guns!  What  an  outrage  on  common  sense ! 
Put  let  us  hear  the  sequel !  "  The  clouds  of  adversity 
Inckened  and  the  two  senior  officers  of  the  artillery  stated 
In  opinion  tliat  it  would  be  extremely  difficult,  if  not  im- 
lossible,  to  pass  the  Turkey  river  and  the  river  Aux  Can- 
lards  with  the  24  pounders."  It  follows,  consequently, 
hat  the  mill  was  built,  without  first  ascertaining  whether 
Ir  not  the  7uater  could  be  conducted  to  it !  Iwenty-seven 
ray*  were  consumed  in  mounting  Jive  carriage  guns,  and 
^ !  they  are  useiess  !  they  cannot  be  got  across  the  rivers 
rurkey  and  Aux  Cannards  !  which,  in  fact,  are  no  riven 
[t  all;  besides  we  had  been  in  possession  of  the  bridges  and 
^eie  at  all  times  superior  to  the  enemy. 


J 


ti' 


20 

,  cannon  were  J)Iacccl  on  board  the  floating  bait 
ries,  and  every  requisite  article  was  prepare 
1  he  spirit  and  zeal,  the  ardour  and  animatic 
displayed  by  the  officers  and  men,  on  learnin, 
the  near  accomplishment  of  their  wishes  was 
sure  and  sacred  pledge,  that  in  the  hour  of  tri] 
they  would  not  be  found  wanting  to  their  coui 
try  and  themselves. 

But  Gen.  Hull  abandoned  the  plan  of  attael 
ing  Maiden,   broke  up  his  camp,   evacuate 
Canada  and  recrossed  the  river  on  the  night 
the  8th  of  August,  wiUiout  the  shadow  of 
enemy  to  injure  him. 

The  Canadians  who  had  joined  the  America! 
army  were  abandoned  to  the  vengeance  of  theJ 
old  masters.  The  confidence  of 'the  army  in  itf 
general  was  destroyed.  ^ 

The  commander  in  chief  had  even  spoken  « 
a  capitulation,  but  his  field  officers  had  deterl 
mined  as  a  last  resort,  to  incur  the  responsibilitf 
of  divesting  him  of  his  command ;  buc  thil 
measure  was  prevented,  either  by  a  respect  fc, 
military  discipline,  or  by  two  of  the  command] 
mg  officers  of  regiments  (M' Arthur  and  Cassl 
being  ordered  upon  detachments. 

The  *'  clouds  of  adversity,'^  which  had  beeJ 
for  some  time  gathering,  now  assumed  a  mori 
threatening  aspect.. 


21 


Shortly  after  the  Americans  retreated  from 

inada,  General  Brock,  who  well  knew  how 

avail  himself  of  every  advantage,  advanc- 

from  Maiden  and  took  a  position  directly 

)posite  Detroit,   where  without  the  least  in- 

[rruption,    he   was  permitted  to  establish  ^ 

mery,  and  that  too,  at  a  time  when  the  Ame- 

:ans  were  decidedly  superior   in    numerical 


rce. 


f-K", 


On  the  14th  of  August  Cols.  M' Arthur  and 
^ass  were  ordered  to  select  400  of  their  best 
len  for  the  purpose  of  securing  Capt.  Brus^ 
id  the  convoy  of  provisions  still  at  the  river 
laisin.  This  detachment  were  to  take  a  cir- 
litous  rout ;  but  the  effort  proved  abortive, 
)r  on  the  evening  of  the  16th  they  received  or- 
^rs  from  gen.  Hull  to  return  with  all  possible 
tpedition. 

On  the  15th,  an  officer  arrived  from  Sand- 
wich, bearing  a  flag  of  truce  from  general  Brock, 
lemanding  the  surrender  of  Detroit,  and  stat- 
[ig  that  he  could  no  longer  restrain  the  fury  of 
he  savages !  To  this  an  immediate  and  spirit- 
|d  refusal  was  returned.  Shortly  after  the  ene- 
ly  opened  their  batteries  upon  the  town.  The 
Ire  was  returned  and  continued  'ivithout  inter, 
(uption  till  dark. 

At  day  light  the  firing  on  both  sides  recom- 
lenced.  About  the  same  time  the  enemy 
;cgan  to  land  troops  at  the  spring-n'ells,  three 


I 


i 


52 

miles  below  Detroit.    At  seven  o'clock  th] 
had  completed  their  landing  and  immediate] 
took  up  their  Ime  of  march.     They  moved 
close  column  of  platoons,  12  in  front,  upon  tl 
,   bank  of  the  river.  '    *        1 

4K  '^Al.^^^  regiment  was  stationed  in  the  fror 
tne  Uhio  volunteers  and  a  part  of  the  Michi 
gan  mihtia  behind  a  line  of  pickets,  in  a  situi 
tion  to  gall  the  whole  flank  of  the  enemy.  J 
1  he  residue  of  the  Michigan  militia  were  / 
the  upper  part  of  the  town  to  resist  the  incu 
sions  of  tlie  savages.     The  24  pounders  loac^ 
•a  with  grape  shot,  were  posted  upon  a  com 
manding  eminence,  ready  to  sweep  the  advand 
mg  column.     In  this  situation,  our  troops  ^ 
the  eager  expectation  of  victory,  awaited  thi 
approach  of  the  eremy.     Not  a  si^h  brokl 
upon  the  ear,  not  a  look  of  cowardice  met  th 
eye.     i^very  man  expected  a  proud   day  fd 

his  di^""^'  ^""^  ^^"^^  ""'^^  ^"""'""^  ^"^  p4^'^ 

When  the  head  of  the  hostile  column  hai 
arrived  within  about  500  yards  of  the  Ameril 
can  line,   general  Hull  ordered  the  whole  J 
retireat  to  the  fort,  and  the  24  pounders  not  t 
hre  upon  the  enemy !  One  universal  burst 
mdignation  was  apparent  upon  the  receipt 
this    order.      The  folly   and    improprietv   o 
crowding   1 100  me.,  h-o  a  little  work,  u^icl 
300  could  lully  m;.  ,     nd  'ato  which  the  sh(^ 
and  shells  of  the  i  s^cirii-  wf^  faiiinn.   «,..  ..„ii 


d3 

able.  But  the  fort  was  in  this  manner  filled 
id  the  men  directed  to  stack  dieir  arms? 
hoitly  after  a  K;/^iVd- >^  was  hung  out  upon 
fce  walls.  A  British  ofhcer  rode  up  to  enquire 
fce  cause.  A  communication  passed  between 
ke  commanding  generals,  which  resulted  in  the 
hrrender  of  Detroit  and  the  whole  Michigan 
femtory ,  to  the  British  arxna !  *  ^ 

All  the  American  troops,  not  only  those  in 
k  fort,  but  the  detachment  of  Cols.  M*  Arthur 
Jd  Cass,  and  the  tioops  under  captain  Brush, 
^ountmg  m  the  whole  to  more  than  2000  men 

kre,  m  die  articles  of  capitulation,  pronounced 
[•isoners  of  war. 

There  was  surrendered  with  the  fort,  thirty. 

ne  pieces  pf  cannon,  2500  stand  of  arms,  with 

considerable  quantity  of  mUitary  stores  and 

hvisions      The  United  States'  brig  Adams, 

6  ^ns  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

I  That  the  American  army  were  superior  to 


^'he^'  *''!'rof"rw'*;'^^  i  the  causes  which 
beral  Hull  and  Tnl  /:^'''ii^l'  '"  >'i^  ^^^^'^^  betters  of 
iiirai  null  and  Col.  Cass.     The  ro  sfortune  eave  risf  tn 

kh  speculation,  much  regret  and  violent  ^ensurT  I 
Ver  saw  a  single  individual  of  gen.  KuH's  armv  buJ 
RS  ""^Therr^  thestatemenf  of  C^i:  CasJSll  Hs 

It  there  existed  no  cause  for  the  surrende7   The  eve^? 
teii^L^.^^«P^  thuiKler  onthcinhabit^r^:  InLT^H^ 


I 


124 


the  enemy  in  point  of  numbers,  is  proved  b| 
the  statements  of  col.  Cass,  and  capt.  Dobbii 
as  well  as  the  official  account  of  gen.  Brock. 


aft 


hemselv 
"ore  an  ai 
rieve  tl 
vanting- 
pulse  up< 
ed  voic< 


The  indignant  aspect  of  our   troops, 
the  surrender,  alarmed  the  British  commandMfj^   'q^^' 
30  much,  that  he  evinced  the  utmost  solicitu(ftjj.j^^jj^jg 
to  get  rid  of  them,  by  sending  them  off  imm 
diately  in  different  directions,  dismissing  man 
without    even    asking  a  parole.      The   Oh: 
volunteers    were  landed    at  Cleveland.     T 
remnant  of  the  brave  4th  regiment  were  se: 
tp  Quebec,  and  experieticed  the  mobt  bru 
treatment. 


isoriy  W2 
ections  t( 
my. 


The  consequences,  of  the  surrender  of  geij 
Hull's  army  are  not  to  be  all  described  witl 
the  limits  of  this  work.     The  wide  scene 
flight  and  misery,  of  blood  and  desolation,  whic 
followed  this  disasterous  event,  is  at  once 
yond  the  descriptive  powers  of  the  writer  ai 
the  conception  of  the  reader.   The  whole  nortl| 
western  frontier  of  Ohio  was  laid  open  to  savag 
incursion. 


Fortun 
ulPs  su 
unteers  a; 
vere  on 
vestern  a 
orps  wer 
o  have  b 
s  most  p 
f  Detroii 
ome^mej 
)hio. 

About 

vacuatior 

outh  end 

re  of  the 


The  chagrin  of  disappointment,  added 
the  serious  loss  of  a  fine  army,  cast  a  temp 
rary  gloom  over  the  whole  union,  but  this  seiK^j^^/^rj"'^] 
timent  soon  subsided,  and  all  felt  the  necessit»^Jj  V . 
of  immediate  action.     Pennsylvania  and  ViB^^ 
ginia,  Kentucky  and  Ohio,   all  felt  eager  tB-j^^^  u  j" 
wipe  away  the  deep  stain  on  our  national  <^h;J^,|^^j^  ^^^^ 
racter.       Volunteers    every    ^\'iiere    prciseiii 


25 


I 


fhemselves,  and  but  a  short  period  elapsed  be- 
Fore  an  army  was  ready^  as  if  by  magic,  to  re- 
trieve the  fortune  of  arms.  *A  leader  was 
kvanting— ail  eyes  looked,  with  a  common  im- 
bulse  upon  the  hero  of  Tippecannoe  ;  the  uni- 
led  voice  of  the  iDcopIe  of  the  west  called  on 
the  governor  of  Kentucky  t-,  dispense  with  all 
Ibrmahties,  and  general  H^illia7n  Henry  Har- 
nson,  was  brevetted  a  major  general,  with  di- 
[•ections  to  take  command  of  the  north-western 
rmy. 

Fortunately  at  the  very  instant  of  general 
lull's  surrender,  a  brigade  of  Kentucky  vo- 
lunteers  and  some  regylars,  under  gen.  Payne, 
kvere  on  their  march  to  reinforce  the  noith- 
[vestern  army;  but  the  movements  of  this 
borps  were  by  no  means  as  rapid  as  they  ouffht 
0  have  been.  If  this  officer  did  not  prevent 
Z  ?J°^^  Pr'^bable  he  might  have  done,  tlie  fall 
t)f  Detroit  he  was  in  a  situation  to  arrest  in 
fom^measure  tlie  inroads  of  the  enemy  into 
Ohio.        ^  ^ 

About  this  time  news  Tvas  received  of  the 
Evacuation  of  fort  Dearborn,  situated  at  the 
outh  end  of  lak«  Michigan,  and  of  the  massa- 
re  of  the  garrison.     On  the  15th  of  August 
tapt.  Heald  abandoned  the  fort  and  commen- 
ced his  march  for  fort  Wayne.     The  party 
ivas  accompanied  by  100  Confute  Indians.-l 
hey  had  not  marched  more  than  half  a  mile, 

C 


* 


26 

and  Winnebago  Indians.  The  Confutes  im^, 
mediately  joined  the  enemy.  The  contest 
lasted  but  ten  minutes,  when  every  man,  woJ 
man  and  diild,  amounting  to  123  souls,\vere 
killed  except  15  who  were  carried  into  cap  J 
tivity.  *   I 

On  the  3d  of  September,  the  Indians  made 
a  furious  assault   on   Fort   Harrison.     They 
kept  up  a  brisk  fire  the  whole  night,  and  one 
time    had    actually  succeeded    in    making  a 
breach  in  the  defences  of  the  place.     The  roofs 
of  the  buildings  were  several  times  on  fire ; 
one  of  the  block  houses  was  burnt.     Captain 
Taylor,  however,  succeeded  in  defending  the 
post   and  finally  beat  them  off.     The  scene  I 
was  enough  to  try  the  soul  of  a  hero.     There 
were  but  18  effective  men  in  the  fort,  and  tw^oi 
of  them,  in  a  moment  of  despair,  leapt  the 
pickets  to  escape.     The  night  was  dark— the 
raging  of  the  fire— the  yelling  of  several  hun- 
dred  savages,  and  the  cries  of  the  women,^ere 
sufficient  to  excite  terror  in  the  stoutest  heart. 
For  this  heroic  defence,  capt.  Taylor  was  short- 
ly afterwards  promoted  to  a  majority  by  the 
president. 

Early  in  September,  a  large  British  and  In- 
dian  force  left  Maiden  to  lay  waste  the  fi-ontiers 
of  Ohio.  Fort  Wayne  was  the  leading  point  of 
attack. 


On  tlie   4th  of  Sentemh<-r- 


OTPP- 


H 


»m«m»> 


27 


i»m«m»> 


larrived     at     Urbanna,     and      assumed    the 

command  of  the  north-western   army.     The 

I  Rapids  of  the  Miami  of  the  Lakes,  were  fixed 

upon  as  the  point  of  concentration,  the  several 

I  corps  of  which  were  to  move  in  the  following 

directions ; — 2000    Pennsylvania     volunteers, 

I  under  brigadier  general  Crooks,  were  to  move 

from  Pittsburgh  along  the  shores  of  lake  Erie  ; 

[general  Tupper's  brigade  of  Ohio  volunteers 

were  to  take  Hull's  rout  from   Urbanna  to 

I  the  Rapids ;   1500  Virginians,  under  brig,  gen, 

Leftwich,  were  to  take  the  same  rout,  whenever 

they  should  arrive.     General  Payne's  brigade 

of  Kentucky  volunteers,  with  the  17th  United 

States'  regiment,  col.  Wells,  were  to  advance 

to  fort  Wayne  and  descend  the  Miami ;  such 

was  the  disposition  of  the  forces  which  were  to 

constitute  the  new  army. 

A  considerable  Indian  force  appeared  before 
Fort  Wayne  on  the  5th.  They  invested  the 
plaQp  closely  for  several  days;  they, burnt  the 
United  States'  factory  and  many  other  valuable 
houses.  A  brother  of  gov.  Meigs  and  two 
soldiers  were  killed  near  the  fort 

Gen.  Harrison  marched  with  the  brigade  of 
gen.  Payne  and  the  regulars  to  relieve  fort 
Wayne — the  enemy  fled  at  his  approach. 

There  was  now  a  favourable 'moment  for 
making  the  Indians  feel  the  effects  of  tlie  war. 


( 


I 


28 

against  several  toviiis  within  two  days  march  oil 
that  pace  Ihe  whole  force  was  divided  and 
placed  under  the  command  of  general  IW 
^ind  col  Weils.  The  former  Sheeted  to 
destroy  the  Miami  towns  at  the  forks  of  the 
Wabash ;  and  the  latter  to  ^o  against  the  Pota 
watamie  vUiages  at  Elk  Hart.    ^ 

^   The  commander  in  chief  accompanied  gen. 
layne  on  the  expedition  ;  four  of  the  Miam 
villages  vv^ere  burnt,  three  of  which  were  re 

up  and  piled,  m  order  that  it  might  rot  before 

w  1?"^""^  "^""^"^  ""^^""^  t^  P>*event  it.     Col. 
Wells  was  equally  successful ;  he  destroyed 

bTs        ^^  ^^^  ^»d  returned -to  camp  without 

At  this  time  general  Winchester  arrived  at 
fort  Wayne,  and  general  Harrison  resigned  the 
command  of  the  detachment  under  gen.  Payne 
and  col.  Wells,  to  him,  in  obedience  to  the  ar- 
rangemuits  of  the  war  department.     Conside- 
rable  discontent  and  murmuring  was  observa^ 
ble  among  the  troops  when  they  were  inform- 
cd  ot  the  change ;  but  on  being  addressed  bv 
gen.  Harrison,  they  appeared  better  satisfied. 
He  assured  them  that  if  any  thing  could  soften 
the  regret  which  he  felt  at  parting  with  men 
who  had  so  entirely  won  his  confidence  and 
attcction,  It  was  the  circumstance  of  his  com-  ■ 
mittmg  them  to  the  charge  of  one  of  the  heroes  I 

or    the;  rf»vr\lnv  I/-MT     .»  .^r..-,   -i:„^: ?  i      i  ..    Ii 

!...»•.^..,  ij  iixuii  uirsuiiguisnea  as  weii  m 


29 


for  the  services  he  had  rendered  his  country,  as 
for  the  possession  of  every  qualification  which 
jonstitutes  the  gentleman. 

The  conduct  of  the  troops  was  highly  hon- 
)urable  to  their  character  as  soldiers :  for  ten 
lays,  while  on  active  and  severe  duty,  they 
lad  scarcely  a  sufficiency  of  food  to  sustain 
them,  and  entirely  without  some  articles  of  the 
ration — and  that  too  without  complaint  and  with 
in  alacrity  which  only  could  have  been  expect- 
ed from  veteran  troops.  But  such  was  their 
)ersonal  attachment  to  gen.  Harrison,  that  they 
Iwould  have  suffered  almost  any  fatigue  or  pri- 
Ivation  without  a  murmur. 

An  order  of  the  secretary  of  war,  invested 
jeneral  Harrison  with  the  command  of  all  the 
roops,  excepting  the  corps  of  gen.  Winches- 
ter !  This  equality  in  the  authority  of  the  two 
generals  was  liable  to  much  collision,  and 
might  have  produced,  between  two  officers  of 
co-equal  powers,  and  possessing  less  magna- 
nimity, serious  consequences  to  the  nation. — 
The  rank  of  major  general  was  confirmed  to 
gen.  Harrison  by  the  president ;  still  that  of  gen. 
Winchester  possessed  priority  of  date,  and  gen. 
Harrison  was  to  command  the  largest  force. 
The  troops  considered  general  Harrison  com- 
mander in  chief. 

The  Mar  department,  on  this  occasion  at 
■jleast,  performed  its  duty  to  the  full  extent  of 

ca 


I'  ':ii 


ll^ 


its  ability ;  every  thing  requisite  for  the  suddI. 

ove?iookei'"'^^^^^     "^^^^^  ^''  "^"^*  "«t  b 
now  .  ^^f  ^^^^^  P^^  ^f  the  volunteeH 

now  concentrated  under  gen.  Hairison,  coni 
sisted   of   men  whose  families  and  proDertJ 

qiiently,  were  influenced  by  the  most  disinter 
ested  patriotism.  Col.  R.  M.  Johnson,  a  mem 

so^tbTvT:>  ^•'^- ^-J-^y^  whohas'q 
so  nobly  distmguished  himself,  was  amonj 
the  foremost.~6en.  Harrison  fixed  his  headi 
quarters  at  St.  Marys;  gen.  Winchester  3 
vanced  to  fort  Defiance.     He  found  the  ene 
my  in  possession  of  the  ground  and  too  strond 
for  his  force ;  he  dispatched  an  express  to  ^en 
Harrison,  who  immediately  marched  to  his  asj 
sistance  with  2000  mounted  riflemen  and  musJ 
keteers  all  furnished  with  thi^c  days  provisions. 
1    1     ^^^"^  *^'"^'  however,  the  enemy  had  sud- 
denly  decamped  and  descended  the    Miami 
Uur  troops  went  in  pursuit  but  could  not  over* 
take  them.     This  was  the  expedition    from 
Maiden  ;  they  had  several  field  pieces.  Tecum- 
seh  commanded  the  Indians.  ' 

The  attention  of  the  commanding  general 
was  now  for  some  time  confined  to  arrangrino- 
depots  of  provisions,  ammunition  and  clothing  L 
'"  opening  roads,  building  boats  and  erectinj 

--.^-..w«ovo,  ^i^^iuiiivry  lo  inc  rnarcii  ot  thrfi 


m 


31 

army  to  the  object  of  the  campait?n.    His  ex- 
ertions were  indefatigable.        1    &  ^ 

On  the  4th  of  October  brigadier  iren.  Tud- 
vper  received  orders  to  proceed  to  the  rapids 
with  the  whole  of  the  mounted  force,  in  condi! 
tion  for  service ;  but  in  consequence  of  the 
counter  orders  of  gen.  Winchester,  the  move- 
rnent  was  not  executed.  Gen.  Tupper  made 
an  exposition  of  the  causes  which  produced  the 
failure  of  the  expedition.  This  exposition  very 
clearly  proved  that  both  Winchester  and  Tun- 
per  were  incapable  of  command. 

n.^"  \^l^\  °^  November  the  celebrated 
partizan  chief,  Logan,*  died  of  his  wounds.— 


I!:* 


the  „pid.  ThV'  had  nof  pZ.'Sed  tii  ^t^^x^' 
when  they  were  taken  prisoiers  by  five  IndianT  Zrt.^ 
Winnemac   and  a  son  <rf  ml    vmL     i    '""'^"?'  under 

the  ground;  the  remaining  three  «redZo„r^L\.*"  '" 
ty  and  wounded  Logan  ani  BriKhtE  TlJ'^u?  P"u 
™r  wt:r"'=''i  |';ha„lr^L*"n™-shot''l1'^h  teTnl- 

t"^o  of''troseVe";'ha«s  jT„5ti;T  f^  ?^"°f 

cover  the  retreat  whicfi  he  d?,l  !„  ,,  ''P''  •'"•'nney  to 
having  scalped  Wirmac'!'  wl„'n"±??'.»L'!  ^^'^h.-f^^r 
co.n™„ded  at  Tippecann..  ■^^sM^;;^'^^^^ 


I 


32 

This  loss  was  regretted  by  the  ivhole  army.  He 
was  a  brave  and  enterprising  warrior,  sincerely 
attached  to  the  Americans,  and  possessed  a 
powerful  influence  over  the  Indians. 

On  the  8th  of  November  a  detachment  of 
600  men,  commanded  by  col.  Campbell,  left 
Franklington  on  an  expedition  against  the  Mi- 
ami  Indians,  living  on  the  head  waters  of  the 
Wabash.     On  the  the  17th  Dec.  they  arrived 
at  one  of  the  Missa^sinway  villages,  surprized, 
killed  5  warriors,  and  took  37  prisoners.    They 
burnt  3  other  villages  3  miles  further  down 
thq  river,  and  then  returned  to  the  first  town 
destroyed,  and  encamped.     About  an  hour  be- 
fore the  dawn  of  day,  they  were  attacked  in 
the  camp.     The  fire  commenced  on  the  right 
line,  commanded  by  major  Ball,  who  sustain- 
ed and  returned  it  till  day  light,  when  the  In- 
dians were  charged  and  dispersed  with  the  loss 
of  30  killed.     Our  loss  was  8  killed  and  25 
wounded — several  mortally.     A  great  number 
of  horses  were  killed,    several   officers    were 
wounded ;  lieutenant  Wahz,  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania  troop  was  shot  through  the  arm,  but  not 
satisfied,    he  again   attempted  to    mount  his 
horse,  and  in  making  the  effort,  was  shot  through 
the  head.     The  prisoners  were  treated   wi'th 
humanity,   even   the  warriors  who  ceased  to 
resist,  were  spared,  which  is  not  the  usual  cus 


slain— his  body  was  afterwards  taken  up  by  his  father,  an«? 
conveyed  to  Maiden. 


33 

bm  in  expedifions  against  the  Indians.     The 
sufferings  of  the  men  from  cold,  hunger  and 
atigue,   on  their  retreat  from  Mississinvvay, 
kere  beyond    measure.     They  were   in    the 
^ntre  of  an   Indian  country.     The   terrible 
[1  ecumseh  was  known  to  be  within  a  few  hours 
Tnarch.      Ihe  sick  and  wounded  were  to  be 
^amed  on  litters ;  their  march  was  slow,  tedi- 
xis  and  circumspect     At  night  only  half  of 
[he  men  could  sleep,  while  the  others  were  on 
^uard.     They  suffered  greatly  from  the  Jncle- 
iiency  of  the  weather ;   numbers  were  frost 
jjitten.     Pleurisy  and  bad  colds  afflicted  almost 
Ihe  whole  corps.     Why  the  Indians  suiFered 
Ihem  to  escape  total  destruction,  is  unaccount- 
^le.     Perhaps  the  death  of  their  celebrated 
nop/iet,  who  IS  supposed  to  have  been  killed 
^1  this  affair,  was  the  cause  of  their  not  harras- 
fing  our  men  in  their  retreat. 

I  T^^  "f^^^f  ^^  "^^J^*"  ^^^I's  squadron,  who 
iistained  the  brunt  of  the  action  and  who  were 
tomphmented  by  general  Harrison,  in  a  general 
per,  tor  their  valour  and  good  conduct,  were 
Piajor  Ball,  captains  Hopkins  and  Garrard  of 
Nentucky ;  captains  Markle  and  M'CleUand. 
|t  Pennsylvania.  ' 

On  the  14th  of  December  the  left  wine  of 

le  army  moved  from  fort  Winchester  to  the 

B.  f  ^  A^c  A^^  ^^^  ^'"^^  ^^^  ^hio  troops  were 

fir^^H  -^  -~-'^^  Pennsylvanians  at  Mans. 

Id  .uxu  «i^  V  irgmians  at  l>x;laware. — Gene.- 


ral  Harrison  fixed  his  head-quarters  at  Uppt 
Sandusky.  The  provisions  and  militar}'  stores, 
and  the  trains  of  artillery  having  reached  thi 
different  depots,  the  hopes  of  the  nation,  thai 
victory  would  soon  crown  the  efforts  of  tM 
north-western  army,  were  cherished  in  conli^ 
dence. 

On  the  14th  of  January,  col,  Lewis  ad  van 
ced  towards  the  river  Raisin.  On  the  18th  hJ 
found  the  enemy  in  force,  and  disposed  to  dis] 
pute  the  possession  of  the  place.  He  attack] 
ed  them  in  the  town ;  on  the  first  onset  the  saj 
vages  raised  their  accustomed  yell.  But  the 
noise  was  drowned  in  the  returning  shouts  ol 
the  assailants.  They  advanced  boldly  to  thi 
charge  and  drove  them  in  all  directions.  oJ 
the  first  fire  sixteen  of  the  Indians  fell — abouj 
40  were  killed.  Col.  Lewis'  party  lost  12  kil] 
led  and  52  wounded. 

On  the  18th  gen.  Winchester  followed  wit! 
a  reinforcement,  and  concentrated  his  troops] 
amounting  to  8U0  men,  at  the  village  of  French! 
town — 600  of  which  were  posted  behind  i 
picket  fence—  200  which  composed  the  righj 
wing,  were  encamped  in  an  open  field  entire]} 
uncovered. 

On  the  22d  they  were  attacked  by  a  com! 
bined  British  force  under  Tecumseh  and 
Proctor.  The  attack  commenced  on  the  righl 
wing  at  beating  of  reveille.     Our  troops  \\xr\ 


S3 

iimediately  rej  ^y  for  the  reception  of  the 
nemy.     The  right  wing  sustained  the  shock 
tor  about  20  minutes,  when  overpowered  by 
lumberF     they   retreated  crver  the  river  and 
kre  met  by  a  large  body  of  Indians,  who  had 
)een  stationed  in  their  rear.     This  party  find- 
lig  dieir  retreat  cut  off,  resolved  to  sell  their 
Ives  as  dear  as  possible,  and  fought  despe- 
lately— few  of  these  escaped.     The  left  wing 
V'ith  Spartan  valour,  maintained  their  ground 
k'ithin  their  pickets.     The  enemy's  regulars 
bade  three  different  charges  upon  them  j  they 
Idvanced   in  platoons  to  charge  the  pickets, 
keeping  up  a  brisk  fire.     Our  men  within  the 
bickets,   with  the   most  determined    bravery 
[nd  presence  of  mind  reserved  their  fire  until 
le  enemy  advanced  within  point  blank  shot, 
'hey  then  opened  a  cross  fire  upon  them— 
ficir  pieces  well  levelled— and  in  this  manner 
lowed  down  his  ranks  till  he  retreated  in  con- 
ision. 

Gen.  Winchester  and  Col.  Lewis  had  been 

iken  prisoners  in  an  early  part  of  the  battle, 

1  attempting  to  rally  the  right  wing.     At  1 1 

['clock  a  flag  arrived  from  general  Winches- 

pr  to  maj.  Madison,  who  commanded  in  the 

hckets,  informing  our  men  he  had  surrender- 

Id  them  prisoners  of  war  and  requested  their 

lomphance  ;    whereupon  a  capitulation   took 

llace,  and  they  were  immediately  marched  off 

br  Maiden.     The  Americans  lost  nearly  400 

len  m  killed  wounded  and  missing.     Among 


i 


if 


3d 

the  officers,  col.  Allen  and  captains  Hickman 
bimpson,  (a  member  of  congress)  Mead,  Edl 
wards,  Price  and  M'Cracken?  '  ^^  I 

During  the  whole  of  the  action  a  heavy  can 
nonade  was  kept  up  by  six  pieces  of  artillery 
1  he  courage  of  men  was  never  more  severely 
tested.     The  party  that  retreated  at  the  com*- 
mencement  of  the  battle,  were  pursued    surl 
rounded,  and   literally  cut  to  pieces.     Some 
succeeded  in  getting  three  miles  from  the  scenei 
ot  action,  but  were  overtaken  and  massacreed. 
Ihe  snow  was  crimsoned  the  whole  distance 
with  the  blood  of  the  fugitives. 

After  the  capitulation,  the  American  com- 
manding  officer  remonstrated  with  general  Proc-i 
tor,  on  the  necessity  of  protecting  the  woundtd 
pnsoners  from  the  fury  of  the  savages ;  thaj 
officer  pledged  himself  to  attend  to  it,  butl 
he  forgot  to  keep  his  word;  they  were  left! 
without  the  promised  protection,  and  on  the 
morning  of  the  23d,  horrible  to  relate,  the  allieX 
ot  a  CHRISTIAN  KING,  Stripped,  scalped,  to- 
niahawked  and  burnt  all  of  them  who  were 
unable  to  walk.* 


*  The  fate  of  capt  Hart  was  peculiarly  distressinj? - 
He  had  received  a  flesh  wound,  and  particularly  Sh^ 
guished  himself  by  his  undaunted  brave*^.    AftSthe  caJ 

Elm  arPHnr?/'  ^""fj  "'^^  ^*^  beenTclats-ma  e'v^th 
solTr^ttd  nrw  ""^  if°"lS-^'  ^"^^^^  °"  ^«Pt-  "art.  and  un- 
soUc.ted,  promised  hjm  his  protection,  declarine  that  the 
next  morri^ne.  he  would  hav?  him  talin  to  his  fwn  house 


37 


The  dead  ^vere  denied  die  rites  of  scpul. 
Uire;*  the  living  were  treated  with  the  great- 
jest  indignity.     The  prisoners  were  generally 
stripped  of  their  clothing,  rifled  of  their  cash, 
and   the  swords  of  the  officers  given  to  the 


m 


at  Ma  den,  where  he  should  remain  until  his  recoveiy 

But  blhot  broke  his  promise  and  left  him  to  his  fate !    On 
the  next  day,   a  band  of  savagts   came  into  the  house 
whj^re  he  was  confined,  and  tore  him  from  his  bed.    But 
he  bargained  with  one  of  them  and  gave  him  a  considera- 
ble suni  ot  money  to  have  himself  takt n  to  Maiden.     I'hev 
set  off,  and  after  travelling  as  far  as  the  river  Aux  Sables 
th.y  were  met  by  a  fresh  band  of  Indians,   who  sh  t  the 
captain  upon  his  horse,  and  tomahawked  and  scalped  him' 
Numbers  were  put  to  death  after  thev  had  been  several 
aaysui  cust.dy.    At  Sandy  Creek  an 'Indian  approached 
la   volunteer   of  the  name  of  Hlythe   and  proDosed  to  ex- 
Change  his  moca^nsfor  Blythe's  shoes— with  this  he  readi- 
y  comph€d  ;  after  this  they  exchanged  hut.      ti.e  Iiulian 
then  raised  his  tomahawk  and  struck  Blytht-  on  the  shoul- 
i  ^""^  u? u^.  ,*^"r   V""  ^^*=   ''^^^'ty  o*'  his  IxKJy  ;    BlyUie  then 
I  caught  hod  of  the  tomahawk  and  attempted  to  resist,  bu? 
on  one  of  his  fellow  prisoners  telling  him  that  his  fate  was 
hxed,  he  closed   his  eyes   and  received  the  savage  blow 
that    terminated    his  existence     Hamilton   dniose,',    that 
when  the  prisoners  were  marching  from  Raisin  to  Detroit^ 
they  came  up  to  where  one  of  the  prisoners  was  bumine, 
the  life  just  exDiring,  and  an  Indian  kicking  the  ashes  off 
'"'  ^u\\  J^^l  ^""^^'^  particulars  the  reader  is  directed  to 
consul    ''^arbarttie,  of  the  Enen^y^  receutiv  published   n 
of  Zi^  ^^  Adancourt,  and  containing  the  'oAcial  details 
ot  these  outrages  against  nature  and  humanity. 

*  I   was  told    by  several  of  the  inhabitants  of  French- 

!^wn,   while  at  Detroit,  that  they  had  frequently  seen  the 

hogs  and  dogs  devouring  the  bodies  of  the^Americars  ard 

s  lu  Is    Z^l  T  ""^""1'"""  to  see  them  running  about  with 

|t2  mSs.  other  parts  of  tlie  human  system  in 

D 


li 


rv' 


1*1 


ffi- 


38 

savages.  Men  whose  education,  talents  and  cha^ 
r^cter  ought  to  have  entitled  them  to  respect,  had 
their  feelmgs  grossly  outraged. 

The  advance  of  general  Winchester  to  the ' 
river  Raisin,  was  not  authorized  by  the  orders 
of  general  Harrison  ;  the  motives  of  the  general 
were  no  doubt  good,  but  to  his  imprudence  is 
attributed  the  failure  of  the  campaign.  He  was 
induced  to  make  the  movement  in  consequence 
of  the  earnest  solicitude  of  the  inhabitants  of 
that  place,  who  were  threatened  with  a  general 
massacre  by  the  Indians. 

As  soon  as  general  Harrison  learnt  the  ex- 
posed  situation  of  gen.  Winchester's  corps,  he 
ordered  a  detachment  from  gen.  Perkins'  bri- 
gade under  col.  Cotgreaves,  to  march  with  all 
possible  expedition  to  his  relief— but  so  much 
time  was  spent  in  preparation,  that  it  only  ar- 
rived in  hearing  distance  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  battle,  and  then  suddenly  retraced 
its  steps. 

Why  a  commanding  officer,  situated  as  gen. 
Winchtcter  was,  within  a  few  hours  march  of  i 
Maiden,  and  liable  every  moment  to  be  sur- 
prized, should  suffer  his  me|ii  to  be  encamped 
in  detached  and  exposed  situations,  in  the 
manner  they  were,  is  a  question  not  yet  ex- 
plained. The  night  before  the  battle  a  French- 
ipan  arrived  from  Maiden,  and  informed  that 


the  enemy  had  commenced  their  march.  This 
information,  vvhicli  was  made  known  to  gen. 
Winchester,  was  disregarded.  His  quarters 
were  3  or  400  yards  from  camp.  He  did  not 
arrive  at  the  scene  of  action  till  the  right  wino- 
had  begun  to  give  way.  '^ 

I  cannot  forbear  to  notice  in  this  place  a 
circumstance  that  reflects  the  greatest  histre 
on  the  mihtary  character  of  the  Kentuckians. 
On  their  marCh  from  fort  Defiance  to  the  Rap- 
ids, the  horses  were  worn  out  and  nearly  fa- 
mished for  want  of  forage.     The  men  them- 
selves, were  destitute  of  many  articles  of  the 
first  necessity.     Yet  these  circumstances  did 
not  in  the  least  damp  their  ardour.     When  the 
horses  were  no  longer  able  to  draw,  these  gal- 
lant sons  of  Mars  harnessed  themselves  to  the 
sleds,  and  in  this  manner,  with  cheerfulness  and 
alacrity,  conveyed  their   baggage  sixty  miles 
through  frost  and  snow—thus,  manifesting  an 
intrepidity  of  character  which  rivals  that  of 
Greece  or  Rome. 

Yet  these  were  men,  whose  homes  for  the 
most  part,  were  the  seats  of  elegance  and 
wealth—but  their  spirits  were  not  to'  be  broken 
by  r^dversity.  Notwithstanding  they  were 
compelled  to  travel  on  foot  and  with  scarce- 
ly a  covering  for  their  backs,  in  the  dead  of 
winter,  from  Maiden  to  Buft:-lo,  and  from 
thence  to  Kentucky,  a  distance  of  800  miles, 
still  not  a  murmur  escaped  their  lihx  /     Th^-Jr 


40 

honest  hearts  sprung  forward  with  the  clastic; 
Jjope,  that  their  wrongs  would  be  avenged  and 
the  day  of  retribution  arrive. 

After  the  defeat  of  gen.  Winchester,  gen, 
Harrison  retreated  from  the  Rapids  18  miles, 
and  took  a  position  at  Portage  river.  It  being 
found  impracticable  to  remove  all  the  provisions, 
a  considerable  quantity  was  destroyed. 


sued  all 
Jimpossi 
jturned 

Such  w 
(that  the' 

On  t 

150  mei 
for  the 
Charlott 
too  far  c 


On  the  30th  gen.  Harrison  dispatched  capt.  |expediti 
Lament,  Doctor  M'Keehan  and  a  Frenchman 
with  a  flag  of  truce  to  Maiden.  Thev  encamp, 
ed  the  first  night  near  the  Rapids,  and  hoisted 
the  white  flag ;  but  this  was  not  respected— 
the  Indians  fired  upon  them  while  asleep,  killed 
Lamont,  wounded  Dr.  M*Keehan  and  took  the 
Doctor  and  the  Frenchman  prisoners. 

Governor  Meigs  having  promptly  ordered 
out  two  regiments  of  Ohio  militia,  to  reinforce 
gen.  Harrison :  the  army  again  advanced  to 
the  -Rapids  and  commenced  building  fort 
Meigs.  Gen.  Crook's  brigade  in  the  mean  time 
\yere  busily  employed  in  fortifying  at  Upper 
Sandusky. 


On  til 
took  ila 
fort  Mei 
river  Ra 
dians,  b 
maintain 
sides  we 


General  Harrison  having  learnt  that  a  body 
of  Indians  were  collected  at  I  re  que  Isle,  near 
th'  mouth  of  the  Miami,  marched  from  his 
camp  at  the  Rapids,  on  the  9th  of  February, 
at  the  head  of  a  detachment  of  his  army,  to  at- 
tack them.     The  enemy  fled— our  troops  pur- 


The 
I  in  strenj 
per  Sam 
Harrison 
suiting  ^ 
the  marc 
moment 
Iwinter. 

In  Ma 
I  Erie,  for 


41 


sued  almost  to  the  river  Raisin,  but  finding  it 
Jimpossible  to  overtake  them,  the  troops  re- 
jturned  to  camp  much  exhausted  with  fatigue. 

Such  was  their  desire  to  come  up  with  the  foe 
[that  they  marched  60  miles  in  21  hours. 

On  the  27th  of  February,  a  detachment  of 
J 150  men,  under  capt,  Langham,  left  the  Rapids 
for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the  Queen 
Charlotte,  near  Maiden — the  ice  was  found 
too  far  decayed  to  accomplish  the  object  of  the 
I  expedition. 

On  the  15th  of  April  a  desperate  rencontre 
Itook  lace  on  the  Miami,  a  few  miles  below 
Ifort  Meigs,  between  ten  Frenchmen,  from  the 
Iriver  Raisin,  and  about  an  equal  number  of  In- 
Idians,  both  parties  were  in  canoes,  and  they 
maintained  the  fight  till  the  greater  part  on  both 
[sides  were  either  killed  or  ^vounded. 

The  army  were  now  engaged  incessantly 
lin  strengthening  the  posts  of  fort  Meigs,  Up- 
per Sandusky  and  fort  Stephenson.  General 
Harrison  left  the  army  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
sulting with  gov.  Meigs,  and  for  expediting 
the  march  of  the  reinforcements.  No  event  of 
I  moment  occurred  during  the  remainder  of  the 
Iwinter. 

In  March,  workmen  began  to  cut  timber  at 
Erie,  for  the  purpose  of  building  two  20  gun 


i 


i>W  ; 


,^l 


w 


s 


42 

brigs—the  requisite  number  of  ship-carpentersl 
arnvcd  at  that  i)Iace.  ' 

The  term  of  service  of  the  greatest  part  of 
the  mihtia  composing  the  north-western  army 
having  expired,  new  levies,  from  Ohio  and 
Kentucky,  were  ordered  on  to  supply  tlieir 
places.  But  these  not  arriving  in  season,  the 
1  ennsylvama  brigade  generously  volunteered 
their  services  for  another  month,  to  defend 
fort  Meigs,  which  was  menaced  with  an  attack. 
This  conduct  was  the  more  honourable,  as  this 
corps  had  undergone  incredible  hardships  dur- 
mg  the  winter,  in  dragging  the  artillery  and 
stores  from  Sandusky  to  the  Rapids.*  ' 


*A   private  in  the  Petersburgh  volunteers,  tlvawsthe 
tollowmg  iMciure  of  a  soldier's  life  :  It  describes  the  march 
of  Ins  company  at  the  time  of  Winchester's  deft-at.— "On 
the  second  day  of  our  march  a  courier  arrived  from  ceii 
llarnson.  ordering  the  artillery  to  advance  with  all  pos- 
sible speed;  this  was  rendered  totally  impossible   bv  the 
snow  which  took  place,  it  being  a  complete  swamp  nearly 
all  the  way.    On  the  evening  of  the  same  day  news  arrivJ 
ed  that  gen  .Harrison  had  retreated  to  Portage  river    18 
miles  in  the  rear  of  the  encampment  at  the  Rapids.  *  As 
many  men  as  could  be  spared  tletermined  to  proceed   im- 
iTKidiately  to  reinforce   him.    It   is  unnecessary  to  state 
that  we  were  among  the  first  who  wished  to  advance.    At 
2  o  clock  the  next  morning,  our  tents  were  struck,  and  in 
half  an  hour  we  were  on  the  road.    I  will  candidly  con- 
fess,  that  on  that  day  I   regretted  being  a  soldier.    On  I 
that  day  we    inarched   thirty  miles,  under  an  incessant 
rain ;  and  1  am  afraid  you  will  doubt  my  veracity  when 
I  tell  you,  that  in  8  miles  of  the  best  of  the  road,  it  took 
us  over  the  knet  s  and  often  to  the  middle.    The  Black 


ip-carpcnters 


43 

On  the  20th  of  April,  gen.  Harrison  return- 
ed to  fort  Meigs  and  began  to  prepare  for  the 
approaching  storm.  Patroling  parties  were  fre- 
quently sent  out  to  discover  the  movements  of 
the  enemy,  who  had  been  discovered  on  the 
margm  of  the  lake. 

On  the  26th  the  advance  of  the  enemy  made 
Its  appearance  on  the  opposite  shore,  and  af- 
ter  reconnoitring  a  few  minutes,  withdrew.— 
On  the  27th  they  returned,  but  were  soon 
maae  to  retire  by  the  balls  from  the  fort. 
J^ver  smce  the  general  had  arrived  in  camp, 
tl^  greatest  diligence  was  displayed  by  the 
officers  and  soldiers.     Fortifications  of  vari- 


'i 


?.nfT£ifiJ"i^'  ^'T  Po'-tage  river,  and  4  miles  in  the  ex- 
ent)  would  have  been  considered  impassable  by  all  but 

K^hl  nf  ^^^^''^/'^  ^^'^'}'  n^arch.    In  this  swamp  you  lose 
Mght  of  terra  firma  altogether-the  water  w4  about  6 
nches  deep  on  the  ice,  which  was  very  rotten   often  break- 
ing through  to  the  depth  of  four  or  five  Let 

"  fhe  same  night  we  encamped  on  very  wet  ground 
but  the  dnest  that  could  be  found',  the  rain  still  conSng. 
It  was  wiia  difiiculty  we  could  raise  fires;  we  had  no 
tents,  our  clothes  were  wet,  no  axes,  nothing  to  cook  in, 
and  veiy  l.ttle  to  eat  A  brigade  of  pack-horses  iDeine 
near  us.  we  pnjcured  from  them  some  flour,  killed  a  hoe 
(there  being  plenty  of  tf^m  along  the  road;)  our  bS 
was  baked  m  the  ashes,  and  the  pork  we  b/oiled  on  the 
coal8--a  sweeter  meal  I  never  partook  of.  When  we 
went  to  sleep,  ,t  was  on  two  logs  faid  close  to  each  other! 

what  ?   nli'.n^i;^-    ^'°"'  '""^  '^"""P  S^"""d-    ^'"«^^^'  God  I 
wiiat  a   phant   being   is  man  in    adversitv.    The  loftiest 

spirit  that  ever  inhabited  the  human  breast  wmdd  ha>? 

been  tamed  amid  the  difficulties  that  surrounded  us." 


i  i 


w 


44 


ous  descriptions  were  carried  on  with  unpar- 
alleled  exertions.  Every  moment  of  the  gen. 
was  occupied  in  directing  the  works.  He  ad- 
dressed the  men  in  a  most  masterly  and  elo- 
quent manner,  on  the  situation  in  which  the 
fortune  of  war  had  placed  them,  and  of  the  im- 
portance of  every  man's  being  vigilent  and  in- 
dustrious at  his  post.  This  address  conve  : 
every  man  into  a  hero ;  it  inspired  them  w* 
a  zeal,  courage  and  patriotism  never  sur- 
passed. 

On  the  28th  the  enemy  commenced  a  very 
brisk  fire  of  small  iirms — in  the  evening  the 
Indians  were  conveyed  over  the  river  in  boats 
and  surrounded  the  garrison  in  every  direc- 
tion. Several  of  col.  Ball's  dragoons  volun- 
teered to  reconnoitre  the  enemy's  camp,  but 
before  they  had  got  far  from  the  fort  they  were 
fired  on  by  the  Indians  and  compelled  to  re- 1 
turn. 

On  the  29th  the  siege  began  in  earnest,  all  | 
communication  with  the  other  posts  was  cut  off. 
The  firing  was  kept  up  the  whole  day.     The 
enemy  had  progressed  so  far  in  the  construe^ 
tion  of  their  batteries  during  the  night,  that 
they   afforded  them    sufficient    protection  toj 
work  by  daylight.     A  man  was  this  day  mor- 
tally wounded  as  he  was  standing  near  the| 
general. 

April  30 — ^the  besieged  kept  up  a  well  di- 


ind  stor 
therefore 
:onstant 
thirds  to 
mdto  I: 
varning, 
were  st 
formed 
the  incei 
)bliged 
light — t 
)f  the  r 
general  1 
ral  narro 
\y  tow( 
ired  at 
without  ( 
IS  soon  ! 
to  see  hei 

The  gi 
well  as 
tions.  1 
with  effei 
memy  fir 
ries.  Tl 
the  picke 


45 


jrected  fire  against  the  enemy's  batteries  and 
Iconsiderably   impeded   their  progress.     Boats 
jfilled  with  men  were  seen  to  pass  to  the  fort 
iMeigs  side  of  the  river ;  this  induced  the  gen. 
■to  believe  that  their  intention  was  to  draw  his 
attention   to  their  batteries,    and  to   surprise 
ind  storm  the  camp  in  the  rear.     Orders  were 
kherefore  given  for  one  third  of  the  men  to  be 
Constantly  on  guard,  and  the  remaining  two 
thirds  to  sleep  with  their  muskets  in  their  arms, 
md  to  be  constantly  prepared,  at  a  moment's 
learning,  to  fly  to  their  posts.     These  orders 
Were    strictly  obeyed,    and    every  duty  per- 
formed with    cheerfulness.     Notwithstanding 
Ihe  incessant  fire  of  the  enemy,  the  men  were 
obliged  to  go  to  the  river  for  water   every 
light— the  well  not  being  finished.     Several 
)f  the  men  were  this  day  wounded  and  the 
general  being  continually  exposed,  had  seve- 
ral narrow  escapes.     During  the  night  the  ene- 
•ny  towed  up  a  gun-boat  near  the  fort  and 
ired  at  point  blank  shot  for  some  time,  but 
without  effect.     They  retired  from  this  position 
as  soon  as  it  was  light  enough  for  our  gunners 
to  see  her. 

The  grand  traverse  was  now  completed,  as 
|\yell  as  several  small  ones  in  various  direc- 
tions, l^he  fire  from  the  garrison  was  begun 
with  effect.  During  the  day  (May  1st)  the 
^nemy  fired  256  dmes  from  their  gun  batte- 
ries. Their  24  pound  shot  passed  through 
the  pickets    without  cuttinsr  them  down.     Our 


I 


I 


46 

^nners  silenced  one  of  their  pieces  several 
times.  They  did  not  fire  so  rapidly  as  thcl 
enemy,  but  with  a  better  aim — 8  of  the  AmeriJ 
cans  were  wounded  this  day — a  bullet  struck! 
the  seat  on  which  the  general  was  setting,  and  al 
volunteer  was  at  the  same  time  wounded  as  he 
stood  directly  opposite  to  him. 

On  the  2d  of  May  both  parties  commencec 
firing  very  early  with  bombs  and  balls,  anc 
continued  it  very  briskly  all  day.  Our  troops 
had  1  killed  and  10  wounded,  besides  several 
others  slightly  touched  with  Indian  bullets] 
The  enemy  this  day  fired  457  cannon  shot. 

The  next  day  commenced  with  a  very  brisk 
and  fierce  firing  of  bombs  and  cannon  balls,! 
and  continued  at  intervals  all  day.  They! 
opened  two  batteries  upon  the  fort,  which  they! 
had  established  on  this  side  of  the  river,  within! 
250  yards  of  the  rear  right  angle  of  the  camp,! 
one  of  which  was  a  bomb  battery.  An  In| 
dian,  who  had  ascended  a  tree,  shot  one  ofl 
our  men  through  the  head,  and  six  were  kill, 
ed  by  the  enemy^s  bombs.  They  fired  516| 
times  during  the  day,  and  47  times  during  the! 
night.  .  ■ 

It  rained  very  hard  on  the  4th  which  re-| 
tarded  the  fire  of  the  besiegers.  A  new  bat- 
tery was  discovered  erecting  on  this  side  oil 
the  river,  in  the  same  direction  with  the! 
otiiCrs,  and  traverses  v/ere  commenced  to  guardi 


.  47 

kgainst  them.  Several  were  killed  and  wound- 
M,  lieut.  Gwynne  killed  a  British  officer  on 
this  side  the  river,  with  a  rifle.  223  shots  were 
fired  this  day. 

General  Clay  was  now  at  fort  Winchester, 
nth  1200  men,  on  his  way  to  relieve  the  ^ar- 
hson. 

On  the  5th  the  enemy  kept  up  but  a  feeble 

ke,  but  they  killed  three  men  with  bombs. 

\n  officer  arrived  with  a  detachment  of  gen. 

.lay's  men,  with  the  welcome  news  that  the 

eneral  was  but  a  few  miles  up  the  river,  de- 

Icending  in  boats.     An  officer  was  sent  to  'him 

K^ith  directions  for  him  to  land  one  half  of  his 

3rce  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  for  the 

burpose  of  forcing  the  enemy's  batteries  and 

[pikmg  their  cannon.     Col.  Dudley,  who  was 

Iharged  with  the  execution  of  this  movement 

^rformed  it  in  fine  style,  but  his  men  elated 

nth  their  success,  continued  to  pursue  tlie 

?treating  enemy  till  they  were  finally  drawn 

ito  an  ambush  and  overwhelmed  by  superior 

lumbers ;  the  greater  part  of  this  detachment 

vere  killed  or  taken  prisoners.     Some  few  ef- 

ected  their  escape  to  the  garrison.     About 

[0  of  these  unfortunate  men  were  tomahavvk- 

p  by  the   Indians,   several  hours  after  their 

kirrender.     The  killed  on  the  field  of  battle 

^re  horribly  mutilated.     Col.    Dudlev   was 

^ong  the  killed.     He  displaved  in  his  last 

loments  the  most  heroic  firmness,  and  actu- 


I    i 


48 

ially  killed  one  Indian  after  he  was  mortall)!  Dudley' 
wounded.  I  in  order 

The  other  moity  of  general  Clay's  force] 
if   not  less    prudent,   were    more   fortunate; 
when  they  landed  a  little  above  the  fort^  the)] 
could  easily  have  made  the  fort  without  lossj 
but  instead  of  doing  this  or  securing  their  sicl 
and  baggage,  they  marched  directly  into  thJ 
woods  in  pursuit  of  a  few  Indians  that  werJ 
purposely  leading  them  to  their  -  destruction! 
Gen.   Harrison  perceiving  their  folly,  causeo 
'  cot.  Ball  to  sally  out  with  the  cavalry  and  pro- 
tect  their  retreat  to  the  fort.     He  succeeded 
in  bringing  them   into  the  fort;    but   in  thil 
mean  wjfiile  a  party  of  Indians  had  tomahawk] 
ed  their  sick,  left  in  the  boats,  and  plunden 
their  baggage. 

While  col.  Dudley's  party  was  engaged 
with  the  enemy  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river] 
several  brilliant  and  successful  charges  wer 
made  on  the  right.  In  these  charges,  colone 
Miller,  maj.  Alexander,  capt.  Croghan,  Long] 
horn,  Bendfprd  and  Neveing,  were  conspicuj 
ous.  Our  troops  conducted  with  the  mos] 
determined  bravery;  all  their  batteries  oi 
this  side  were  carried,  and  mai^y  prisoner 
taken. 

From  the  6th  to  the  ^th  there  was  no  firingj 
Flags  of  truce  passed  and  repassed  betweei[ 
the  two  armies.     An  exchange  of  prisoner 


as  mortally 


lay's  force, 
fortunate ; 
e  fort,  they 
ithoiit  loss 
g  their  sic 
ly  into  tb 
J  that  wen 
lestruc*ion 
lly,  cause 
ry  and  pri 
succeedei 
but   in  thi 
tomahawk 
I  plunder 


is  engaged 
f  the  river) 
arges  wer 
^s,  colone 
[lan,  Long] 
;  conspicuj 
the  mosl 
atteries  oj 
^  prisoner 


s  no  firing! 
;d  betweel 
f  prisoner 


49 


look  place.  The  Kentucky  militia,  taken  at 
Dudley's  defeat,  were  to  be  sent  to  Harrison, 
in  order  to  return  home  by  that  rout.  On  the 
morning  of  the  9th  the  enemy  commenced 
their  retreat  down  the  river,  having  been  be- 
fore the  place  13  days,  during  which  time  he 
had  fired  at  the  works,  1800  shells  and  cannon 
balls,  besides  keeping  up  an  almost  continual 
discharge  of  small  arms.  The  American  loss 
during  the  siege  in  the  fort  and  in  the  different 
sorties  on  this  side,  was  72  killed  and  196 
wounded.  The  loss  of  col.  Dudley's  detach- 
ment was  about  200  killed  and  missing.  That 
of  the  enemy  was  about  equal. 

One  reason  why  our  troops  did  not  sustain 
la  greater  loss  in  the  fort,  was  because  the  men 
had  contrived  a  kind  of  bomb  proof  retreat 
all  along  the  ditch  immediately  behind  the 
pif^kets.  They  would  watch  the  enemy's  fire 
and  knew  when  to  squat  into  their  hiding  pia- 
ffes. By  this  means  many  valuable  lives  were 
I  saved. 

Vast  quantities  of  rain  fell  during  the  siege — 
I  the  soil  within  the  pickets  is  clay,  and  the  con- 
stant treading  of  the  men  and  horses  caused  the 
whole  area  of  the  fort,  to  become  a  perfect  bed 
of  niorter,  half  leg  deep — the  frequent  bursting 
of  shells,  caused  it  to  fly  in  every  direction,  co- 
|vering  officers  and  men,  with  mud. 

The  army  not  beiner  sufficientlv  strone  for 


III 


.10 

offensive  operations,  it  became  necessary  to  wait 
for  reinforcements,  and  for  the  completion  of 
the  vessels  of  war,  building  at  Erie. 

The  head-quarters  of  the  general  were 
transferred  to  Seneca  town,  on  the  Sandusky. 
Gen.  Clay  was  charged  with  the  defence  of 
fort  Meigs.  Generals  M* Arthur  and  Cass 
were  actively  employed  in  recruiting  two  re- 
giments  of  12  month's  regulars  in  the  state  of 
Ohio.  ' 

In  June  the  general  held  a  council  with  a 
number  of  Indian  chiefs,  who  had  hitherto  pro- 
fessed  neutral  sentiments,  to  whom  he  made 
three  propositions :— To  take  up  arms  in  behalf 
of  the  United  States— To  remove  within  our 
settlements,  and  remain  neutral — Or  to  go  to  the 
enemy,  and  seek  his  protection.  After  a  short 
consultation  among  themselves,  they  accepted 
the  first,  and  prepared  to  accompany  him  in  the 
invasion  of  Canada. 

The  hostile  Indians  eontinued  to  make  in- 
roads  into  the  settlement,  and  committed  fre- 
quent murders.  A  party  from  Maiden  coasted 
down  the  lake,  as  far  as  Cold  Creek,  where  they 
kil'ed,  scalped  and  madt  prisoners,  one  man, 
th-ee  women  and  nine  children. 

An  event  took  place,  however,  that  had  a 
salutary  influence  in  repressing  the  audacity 
of  the  Indians.     As  col.  Ball,  with  22  of  his 


/I 

squadron  were  descending  the  Sandusky,  the 
foremost  of  his  party  were  fired  upon  from  a 
thicket,  by  a  band  of  18  Indians,  who  had  pla- 
ced themselves  in  ambush  for  the  purpose  of 
killing  the  mail  carrier.  Col.  Ball  instantly 
charged  upon  them  and  drove  them  from  their 
hiding  place.  The  ^ound  was  favourable 
for  cavalry,  and  the  Indians  finding  neither 
mercy  nor  the  possibility  of  escape,  gave  a 
whoop,  and  fought  desperately  till  the  whole 
party  were  cut  to  pieces.  Col.  Ball,  was  at 
one  time  dismounted,  opposed  in  personal 
contest  to  an  Indian  of  gigantic  stature — it 
was  a  desperate  and  a  doubtful  struggle,  life 
was  at  stake,  both  exerted  to  the  utmost — an 
officer  rode  up  and  rescued  the  colonel  by 
shooting  the  Indian  through  the  head.  After 
this  terrible  example,  not  an  Indian  ventured 
to  cross  the  Sandusky  in  quest  of  plunder  and 
blood. 

On  the  first  of  August  general  Proctor 
made  his  appearance  before  fort  Stephenson, 
20  miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  river  Sandus- 
ky. His  troops  consisted  of  500  regulars  and 
about  700  Indians,  of  the  most  ferocious  kind. 
There  were  but  138  effective  men  in  the  gar- 
rison and  the  works  covered  one  acre  of 
ground.  Major  George  Crogban  commanded 
the  place.  The  pickets  were  about  ten  feet 
high,  surrounded  by  a  ditch  with  a  block  house 
at  each  angle  of  the  fort — o.ie  of  which  con- 
tained a  six  pounder — thjs  was  the  exact  state 


■I 

i 


It  ' 


; 


52 

^u^n  P°^*'  ^*  *^  ^^™^  ^^® ^emy  appeared. 
Ihe  first  movement  made  by  the  enemy,  was 
to  make  such  a  disposition  of  his  forces,  as  to 
prevent  the  escape  of   the   garrison,  if   they 
should  be  disposed  to  attempt  it.     He  then 
sent  col.  Elliot  with  a  flag,  to  demand  the  sur- 
render  of  the  fort.   He  was  met  by  ensign  Shipp. 
Ihe   British   officer    observed,    that    general 
rroctor  had  a  number  of  cannon,  a  large  body 
of  regular  troops  and  so  many  Indians,  whom 
It  was  impossible  to  controul,  and  if  the  fort 
was  taken,  as  it  must  be,  the  whole  of  the  ^ar- 
rison  would  be  massacred.     Shipp  answered, 
that  it  was  the  determination  of  major  Crog- 
nan,  his  officers  and  men,  to  defend  the  gar- 
rison or  be  buried  in  it,  and  that  they  might 
do  their  best.     Colonel  Elliot  addressed  Mr. 
ahipp  again— «  You  are  a  fine  young  man ; 
I  pity  your  situation ;  for  God's  sake  surren. 
der,  and  prevent  the  dreadful  slaughter  which 
must  follow  resistance."     Shipp  turned  from 
Iwm  with  indignation,   and  was  immediately 
taken  hold  of  by  an  Indian,  who  attempted  to 
wrest  his  sword  from  him.     Major  Croghan 
observing  what  passed,  called  to  Shipp  to  come 
into  the  fort,  which  was  instantly  obeyed  and 
the  tragedy  commenced.     The   firing  began 
from  the  gun.boats  in  the  rear,  and  was  kept 
up  during  the  night.     At  an  early  hour  the 
next  morning,  three  sixesy  which  had   been 
planted  during  the  night  within  250  yards  of 
the  pickets,  began  to  play  upon  the  fort,  but 
witii    little    effect.     About  4  P.  M,  all  the 


53 


enemy's  guns  were  concentrated  against  tlie 
north-western  angle  of  the  fort,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  a  breach.     To  counteract  the 
effect  of  their  fire,  CoL  C.  caused  that  point  to 
be  strengthened  by  means  of  bags  of  flour, 
sand  and  other  materials,  in  such  a  manner 
that  the  picketing  sustained  little  or  no  injury. 
But  the  enemy  supposing  that  their  fire  had 
sufficiently  shattered    the  pickets,    advanced, 
to  the  number  of  500,  to  storm  the  place,  at 
the  same  time  making  two  feints  on  different 
points.     The  column  which  advanced  against 
the  north-western  angle,  were  so  completely 
enveloped  in  smoak,  as  not  to  be  discovered 
until  it  had  approached  within  18  or  20  paces 
of  the  lines,  but  the  men  being  all  at  their 
posts,  and  ready  to  receive  it,  commenced  so 
hea\y  and  gallant  a  fire  as  to  throw  the  col- 
umn into  confusion,  but  being  quickly  rallied, 
lieut.  col.  Short,  the  leader  of  the  column  ex- 
claimed, "  come  on  my  brave  fellows,  we  will 
give  the  dam'd  yankee  rascals  no  quarters," 
and  immediately  leapt  into  the  ditch,  follow- 
ed by  his  troops :  as  soon  as  the  ditch  was  en- 
tirely filled  by  the  assailants,  major  Croghan 
ordered    the    six  pounder,   which   ha^    been 
masked  in  the  block  house,  to  be  fired.     It 
had  been  loaded  with  a  double  charge  of  mus- 
ket balls  and  slugs.     This  piece  completely 
raked  the  ditch  from  end  to  end.     The  first 
fire  levelled  the  one  half  in  death— the  second 
and  third  either  killed  or  wounded  every  one 
r'ho  were  covered  l>v  the  dead 


H 


■ft 


m 


'  m 


E2 


Il 


54 

-^bodies.  At  the  same  time,  the  fire  of  the 
small  arms  was  so  incessant  and  destructive, 
that  it  was  in  vain  the  British  officers  exerted 
themselves  to  lead  on  the  balance  of  the  col- 
umn ;  it  retired  in  disorder  under  a  shower  of 
^ot,  and  sought  safety  in  an  adjoining  wood. 
The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed  was  about 
150,  besides  a  considerable  number  of  their 
allies  were  killed.  The  Americans  had  but 
one  killed  and  seven  slightly  wounded.  Early 
in  the  morning  of  the  3d,  the  enemy  retreated, 
down  the  river,  after  having  abandoned  con- 
siderable  baggage. 

The  garrison  was  composed  of  regulars- 
all  Kentuckians,  a  finer  company  of  men  is 
noi  to  be  found  in  the  United  States,  perhaps 
not  in  the  world.  They  are  as  humane  as 
courageous.  This  is  proved  by  their  unceas- 
ing  attention  to  the  wounded  enemy  after 
their  discomfiture;  during  the  night,  they 
kindly  received  into  the  fort,  through  the  fatal 
port-hole  of  the  block  house,  all  those  who 
were  able  to  crawl  to  it:  to  those  unable  to 
move,  they  threw  canteens  filled  with  water. 
They  even  parted  with  their  clothes  to  alleviate 
the  sufferings  of  the  wounded. 

Gen.  Harrison  had  ordered  major  Croghan 
to  destroy  the  stores  and  abandon  the  fort,  in| 
case  the  enemy   made  his    appearance.     He 
dared  to  disobey  the  order,  and  has  thereby 
immortalized  himself. 


55 

While  Proctor  and  Dixon  were  investing 
fort  Stephenson,  Tecumseh  with  a  band  of 
2000  warriors  and  some  British  troops,  ap- 
proached fort  Meigs.  They  hovered  round 
the  place  for  several  days  and  then  withdrew, 
without  doing  any  material  injury  to  the  gar- 
rison. 

When  the  news  of  the  attack  on  fort  Ste- 
phenson reached  gov.  Meigs,  he  made  a  spirit- 
ed call  to  the  patriotism  of  Ohio ;  such  was  its 
effect  that  15,000  men  were  immediately  in 
motion  to  repel  the  invaders.  Fortunately  their 
services  were  not  required. 

The  tide  of  victory  began  now  to  set  with 
la  strong  current  in  favour  of  the  American 
arms.  On  the  10th  of  September,  commo- 
dore Perry  captured  the  whole  British  force  on 
Lake  Erie.  This  victory  removed  the  princi- 
pal barrier  to  the  conquest  of  Maiden  and  the 
recovery  of  Detroit. 

At  the  same  time  the  general  began  to  con- 
centrate his  forces  at  the  mouth  of  Portage 
I  river.*     The  greatest  activity  was  visible  in 
camp ;  in  preparing  for  the  descent  on  Cana- 
[da — boats   were  collected — beef  jerked — the 
superfluous  baggage  secured  in  block  houses, 

•  From  the  13th  of  September,  until  the  return  of  the 

army  to  Detroit,  after  the  battle  of  the  Thames,  the  writer 

of  this  work  served  as  a  volunteer,  for  the  most  part,  in 

VCol.  Ball's  Itgion,  and  was  an  actor  in  the  events  narrated  • 


56 

and  a  substantial  log  fence  two  mile?  longl 
extending  from  Portage  river  to  Sandusky  bay] 
was  built  to  secure  the  horses  during  the  opera'l 
tions  of  the  army.  1 

On  the  17th  gov.  Shelby  with  4000  volun., 
teers,  arrived  at  head-quarters.  This  formidable 
corps  were  all  mounted;  but  it  was  deemed 
best  for  them  to  act  as  infantry,  and  leave  their 
horses  on  the  peninsula.  On  the  20th  general 
M*Arthur^s  brigade,  from  fort  Meigs,  joined  the 
mam  body,  after  a  very  fatiguing  march  of  three 
days  down  the  lake  coast. 

Col.  Johnson's  mounted  regiment  remained 
at  fort  Meigs,  but  had  orders  to  approach  De- 
troit  by  land  and  to  advance  pari  passu  with| 
the  commander  in  chief,  who  was  to  move  ini 
boats  through  the  islands,  to  Maiden,  and  of 
whose  progress,  the  colonel  was  to  be  daily  in- 
formed  by  a  special  express. 

The  British  prisoners,  taken  in  the  naval 
action  of  the  10th,  were  sent  to  Chilicothe, 
guarded  by  a  part  of  col.  Hill's  regiment  of 
Pennsylvania  detached  militia.  The  diffe- 
rent  posts  on  the  American  side  of  the  lake,, 
were  left  in  charge  of  the  Ohio  militia.*     Fort 


*  1  he  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  militia,  at  this  time,  in- 
dulged a  belief  that  the  general  was  partial  to  the  Ken- 
tuckians.    Whether  this  jealousy   was  well   founded   on 
not,  J  t  IS  obvious  that  gov.  Meigs  took  umbrage  at  the  I 

„ ,     -■.'-»...i«.v«i-jiij^     vj     1.1.1111     iiic     iCUUCUUU    01  i 


57 


Meigs,  which  till  now  had  covered  eight  acres 
of  land,  was  reduced  in  its  dimensions  to  one 
acre.  About  500  Kentuckians  were  to  remain 
|at  Portage  to  guard  the  horses*  and  stores. 

Every  thing  being  now  ready,  the  embarka- 
Ition  of  the  troops  conmienced  at  the  dawn  of 
day,  on  the  21st,  For  the  want  of  a  sufficient 
number  of  boats,  not  more  than  one  third  of  the 
[army  could  embark  at  once. 

There  is  a  range  of  islands  extending  from 
Ithe  head  of  the  Peninsula,  to  Maiden.  These 
lislands  renda:  the  navigation  safe,  and  afford 
[the  army  convenient  depots  for  baggage  and 
[stores,  a  \  well  as  halting  places. 

Put-in-bay  island,  sixteen  miles  from  Por- 
[tage,  was  selected  by  the  general  as  the  first 
jpoint  of  rendezvous — the  first  stage  in  his  pas- 
Isage  across  the  lake.  The  weather  was  fa- 
Ivourable.  As  soon  as  the  first  division  of  boats 
ieachcd  the  island,  men  were  immediately  de- 
tached to  take  back  the  boats  for  a  fresh  load. 
iSuch  was  the  eagerness  of  the  men  to  accele- 
rate the  embarkation  of  the  whole  army,  that 
they,  in  most  cases,   anticipated  this  regula- 


i;  ^ 


the  number  of  the  Ohio  volunteers,  at  that  time  on  their  way 
I  to  join  the  north-western  army. 

1  *  The  nuiriber  4  horses  left  on  the  Peninsula,  during 
Jhe  absence  ot  the  army  in  Canada,  was  upwards  of  five 
|tuousaiid  :   for  the  most  part,  of  the  first  size  and  condi- 

|t)PDr 


s.f* 


58 

tion  by  volunteering  their  services  to  retuj 
with  the  boats.     Every  one  courted  fatigue. 

The  fleet  of  commodore  Perry,  was  busih 
engaged  in  transporting  the  baggage  of  the 
army.  In  the  course  of  the  22d  the  whole  arm)| 
had  gained  the  island,  and  encamped  on  thi 
margm  of  the  bay,  which  forms  nearly  a  semi] 
circle. 

The  Lawrence,  and  the  six  prize  ships,  cap 
tured  from  the  enemy,  were  at  anchor  in  thJ 
centre  of  the  bay,  and  in  full  view.  With  whal 
ineffable  delight  did  we  contemplate  this  inte] 
resting  spectacle !  The  curiosity  of  the  troops 
was  amply  indulged ;  every  one  was  permitted 
to  go  on  board  ihe  prizes  to  view  the  effects  ol 
the  batde.  The  men  were  highly  pleased  with 
this  indulgence  of  the  general  and  the  commo 
dore.  The  scene  was  calculated  to  inflamj 
their  military  ardour,  which  was  visible  in  evei 
countenance. 

The  army  was  detained  at  Put-in-bay  dur- 
ing the  23d  and  24th  by  unfavourable  winds 
On  the  24th,  a  soldier  of  the  regular  forces 
was  shot  for  desertion.  He  had  deserted  thre( 
times — had  been  twice  before  condemned  tc 
suffer  death,  and  as  often  pardoned;  he  meJ 
his  fate  with  stoical  indifference,  but  it  madel 
a  very  sensible  impression  on  .the  troopsl 
Two  platoons  fired  on  him,  at  the  distance  of 


59 


!ive    paces,    and  perforated  his  body  like  a 

sieve.* 

On  the  25th  the  army  again  embarked 
3ardy  in  boats,  and  partly  on  board  the  fleet, 
Eo  take  a  nearer  position  to  the  Canadian 
bhore.  The  flotilla  arrived  a  little  before 
kinset,  at  a  small  island  called  the  Eastern 
]Sist€r,  eighteen  miles  from  Maiden,  and  seven 
|from  the  coast.  This  island  does  not  contain 
lore  than  three  acres,  and  the  men  had  scarce- 
|y  room  to  sit  down. 

On  the  26th  the  wind  blew  fresh,  it  became 
lecessary  to  haul  up  the  boats,  to  prevent  their 
staying.  The  general  and  commodore  in  the 
Ariel,  made  a  reconnoisance  of  the  enemy's 
coast,  and  approached  within  a  short  distance 
3f  Maiden.  Capt.  Johnney  was  dispatched  to 
apprize  col.  Johnson  of  our  progress.  Gen. 
Cass,  col.  Ball  and  capt.  McClelland  were  bu- 
p  in  arranging  and  numbering  the  boats. 
L\t  sun  set  the  lake  had  risen  several  feet ;  in- 


m.\ 


\mi 


It  IS  worthy  of  remark  that  but  two  soldiers  were 
fhot  m  the  north-western  army  ;  and  so  unfrequent  was  de- 
sertion, that  from  the  time  I  joined  it,  till  its  departure 
from  fort  George,  not  a  solitary  instance  occurred;  at 
least  none  came  to  my  knowledge,  although  I  made  fre- 
buent  enquiries  as  to  the  fact.  I  am  not  willing  to  attribute 
Ihis  extraordinary  fidelity  to  the  public  service,  to  the  supe- 
lior  patriotism  of  the  people  of  the  west,  or  a  nice  sense  of 
11^  iorce  ot  moral  obligations.  The  cause  is  evident— the 
ffhcers  are  generally,  more  attentive  to  their  men,  than 
|iiose  ot  the  northern  armv. 


60 


If  I 


deed,  such  was  the  violence  of  thfc  surf  that 
many  entertained  serious  fears  that  the  greater! 
part  of  the  island  would  be  inundated  beforel 
morning.  However,  the  wind  subsided  atl 
twelve  and  relieved  our  apprehensions. 

On  the  27th  at  nine  in  the  morning  the  ar-l 
my  mode    its  final    embarkation.     The  dayl 
was   fine,   and  a.propitious  breeze  made  ourl 
passage  a  most  pleasing  pastime.     It  was  al 
sublime   and  delightful   si^ectacle    to    beholdl 
16  ships  of  war  and  100  boats  filled  with  men,! 
borne  rapidly   and  majestically  to    the    long] 
sought  shores  of  the  enemy.     The  recoUec- 
tion  of  this  day  can  never  be  effaced  from  myl 
memory.     There  was  something  truly  ^andj 
and  animating  in  the  looks  of  the  men.    Therel 
was  an  air  of   confidence  in    every  counte-j 
nance.     The  troops  panted  for  an  opportuni- 
ty  to    rival    their  naval  brethren  in  feats  ofl 
courage  and  skill;  they  seemed  to  envy  the! 
good  fortune  of  our  brave  tars.     They  werel 
ignorant  of  the  flight  of  the  enemy,  and  confij 
dently  expected  a  fijrht;    indeed   the    beliell 
was  current  among  the  troops,  that  the  enemyj 
were  in  great  force ;  for  it  was  believed,  thati 
Dixon's  Indians  as  well  as  Tecumseh's  were  at| 
Maiden. 

We  landed  in  perfect  order  of  battle  at  4| 
P.  M.  three  miles  below  Maiden.  The  Ken- 
tucky  volunteers,  formed  the  right  wing.j 
Ball's  legion  and  the  friendly  Indians  the  cen- 


61 

tie— 'the  regulars  on  the  left.  The  trooi^s 
were  almost  instantly  in  line  and  shortly  com. 
menced  their  march,  en  echelons,  for  Maiden. 
The  troops  had  been  drilled  to  marching  in 
and  out  of  boats  and  to  forming  on  the  beach. 
Every  man  knew  his  place  ;  and  so  well  were 
they  masters  of  this  very  necessary  piece  of 
service,  that  a  company  would  march  into  a 
boat,  debark  and  form  on  the  beach  in  less 
than  one  minute,  and  that  too  without  the  least 
confusion.* 

As  we  approached  Maiden,  instead  of  the 
red  coats,  and  the  war  whoop  of  the  Indians,  a 
gi'oup  of  well  dressed  ladies  advanced  to  meet 
us,  and  to  implore  mercy  and  protection.  They 
were  met  by  governor  Shelby,  who  soon  quieted 
their  fears,  by  assuring  them,  that  we  came  not 
to  make  war  on  women  and  children,  but  to 
protect  them. 

The  army  entered  Maiden  by  several  parallel 
streets,  and  we  marched  through  the  town  to  the 
thunder  of  "  Yankee  Doodle /' 

The  ruins  of  the  fort,  and  the  naval  build- 
ings were  still  smoaking.  All  the  loyal  inhabi- 
tants  followed  the  British  army  in  its  retreat. 
The  fortifications  of  Maiden  must  have  cost 
the  British  government  a  vast  sum.     The  fort 

*  This  proficiency  is  applicable  only  to  the  reeuhrs  an«l 
twleve-months  volunteers.  The  militia  officers  4}!^  not 
attend  to  it.  '  ^^  ^^^ 

F 


n: 


i^ 


62 


is  surrounded  by  a  deep  ditch  and  two  rows  of 
heavy  pickets  j  the  walls  are  high  and  the  adja- 
cent countr}^  as  level  as  a  lake.     What  cannon 
and  small  iirms  they  were  unable  to  carry  away, 
were  sunk  in  the  rixer. 


The  town  may  contain  150  houses,  mostly 
'  framed — a  part  are  constructed  of  hewn  logs : 
its  appearance  is  worthy  Of  its  character— as 
dark  and  gloomy  as  Krubus.  The  inhabi- 
tants are  composed  of  renegadoes,  Scotch, 
Irish,  and  Canadian  French.  Very  few  men 
were  to  be  found,  and  those  invariably  French. 
Perhaps  it  would  be  unjust  to  attempt  the 
portrait  of  the  character  of  the  inhabitants, 
wliere  so  few  remained  at  home.  I  will  then 
only  mention  one  fact.  A  well  known  hor- 
rid traffic,  has  so  completely  blunted  the  feel- 
ings of  humanity,  that  the  exhibition  of  scalps 
in  the  streets,  in  the  most  terriffic  forms,  by 
the  Indians,  products  no  emotion  of  horror 
even  in  tlie  female  bosom !  The  spectacle 
has  become  so  familiar  to  the  eye,  that  it  has 
lost  the  interest  of  curiosity — and  is  beheld  with 
as  much  indifference  as  we  view  the  peltry  of  a 


furman. 


Opposite  the  place  lies  the  island  of  Bois 
Blanc,  on  the  lower  end  of  which  was  a  heavy 
batttTy,  which  defended  the  entrance  to  the  har- 
bour, yhe  enemy  in  their  haste  had  left  an  18 
pounder  in  this  batter}^ 


63 

Perhaps  tliere  is  not  a  place  in  America,  that 
possesses  so  great  convenience  for  ship  build- 
ing, as  Maiden.  The  descent  of  the  shore  is 
in  proiDer  angle  for  launching :  besides,  tlie 
waler  is  deep  awd  the  timUei  can  be  floated  to 
the  spot  in  any  cjuantity,  and  at  a  short  distance, 
except  pine,  which  is  found  on  the  Thames,  on 
the  St.  Clair  river,  and  on  the  shores  of  the 
lakes.  They  had  collected  a  considerable  quan- 
tity of  timber,  which  they  attempted  to  burn, 
but  without  success. 

The  country  is  settled  to  the  distance  of 
twenty  miles  below  Maiden.  Col.  Elliott's 
house  stands  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  half  a 
mile  below  the  village — he  has  an  extensive 
orchard  and  a  park,  his  house  was  desertecL 
We  found  excellent  peaches,  of  which  we  made 
free  use,  without  enquiring  the  price. 

Three  miles  above  tlie  fort  is  an  Indian  vil- 
lage which  we  found  deserted,  and  so  sudden- 
ly, that  many  essential  articles  of  Indian  fur- 
niture, such  as  brass  kettles,  were  left  in  the 
houses.  Here  we  procured  a  plentiful  supply 
of  green  corn,  potatoes,  &c.  This  village  was 
not  burnt. 

In  the  evening  after  our  arrival  at  Maiden, 
Col.  Ball  dispatched  an  officer  and  iweniy  men 
to  prevent  the  enemy's  destroying  th^  bridge 
across  the  Aux  Caiinards.  The  enemv  wen? 
found  on  the  bridge,  having  just  set  fire  to  it. 


:ir^ 


III 


I 

J 

i 


i;ilf 


64 

Our  party  fired  on  them — tliey  dispersed  and 
the  bridge  was  saved. 

On  the  28th,  we  passed  the  Aux  Cannards, 
and  enco"ipcd  two  nriiles  beyond  the  river,  in  a 
neat  French  settlement.  A  small  party  of 
British  horse  shewed  themselves  at  the  bridge, 
and  then  scampered  off. 

The  next  day,  we  reached  Sandwich  at  two 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  At  the  same  time 
the  fleet  came  up  the  river  to  Detroit.  The 
general  made  dispositions  for  passing  the 
river.  Governor  Shelby's  corps  remained  at 
Sandwich,  while  Ball's  legion  and  the  brigades 
of  generals  M*  Arthur  and  Cass,  passed  over  to 
Detroit. 

The  Indians  appeared  in  groups,  on  the  bank 
of  the  river  below  Detroit ;  a  few-  shots  from 
the  gun-boats  caused  them  to  disperse. 

The  Indians  did  not  leave  Detroit  till  the 
boats  containing  the  troops  were  half  way  across 
the  river.  Just  before  we  landed  on  the  Ame- 
rican side,  the  inhabitants  hoisted  the  U.  S.  flag, 
amid  the  acclamations  of  thousands.  We  were 
received  by  the  inhabitants  with  demonstrations 
of  unfeigned  joy.  They  had  suffered  all  that 
civilized  and  savage  tyranny  could  inflict,  save 
death.  The  ImUans  had  lived  at  free  quarters, 
for  several  months.  It  was  natural  for  them  to 
hail  us  as  deliverers. 


65 

The  enemy  had  set  fire  to  the  fort,  but  the 
walls  and  picketing  remained  entire.  The 
public  store,  a  long  brick  building  near  the 
wharf  was  injured  only  in  the  roof,  which  our 
men  soon  repaired.  In  the  course  of  the  night 
there  was  an  alarm  in  camp,  the  fires  were  ex- 
tinguished, and  the  men  ordered  to  lie  on  ihdr 
arms. 

On  tlie  30di  CoL  Johnson"*s  regiment  arriv- 
ed from  Fort  Meigs,  they  immediately  com- 
menced, the  passage  of  the  river  in  boats. 
Gen.  M*Arthur  with  the  mass  of  the  regular 
troops  was  charged  with  the  defence  of  De- 
troit. It  was  the  general  opinion  of  the  In- 
habitants that  there  were  1000  India.i  war- 
riors, under  Marpot  and  Split  Log,  lurking  in 
the  woods  between  the  river  Rouge  and  Hu- 
ron of  Lake  St.  Clair.  The  friendly  Indians 
had  taken  several  prisoners  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  Detroit. 

On  the  2d  of  October  ever}^  arrangement 
was  completed  for  pursuing  the  retreating 
British  army  np  the  Thames.  The  force  se- 
lected for  this  service  were  the  mounted  regi- 
ment of  Col.  Johnson,  three  companies  of  Col. 
Ball's  legion  and  the  principal  part  Governor 
Shelbev's  volunteers. 

From  Sandwich  to  the  Moravian  Towns  is . 
eighty- four  miles.     We  found  the  roads  for 
the  most  part  good.     Tho  country  is  perfect- 

F2 


iMIii 


66 

ly  level.  The  advance  of  the  troops  was  rap- 
id—so much  so,  that  we  reached  the  river 
Risciim,  wbich  is  about  twenty-five  miles 
from  Sandwich,  in  the  evening.  The  enemy 
had  neglected  to  destroy  the  bridge.  Early 
in  the  morning  of  the  3d,  the  general  proceed- 
ed with  Johnson's  regiment,  to  prevent  the 
destruction  of  the  bridges  over  the  different 
streams  that  fall  into  Lake  St.  Clair  and  the 
Thames.  These  streams  are  deep  and  mudd}- 
and  are  unfordable  for  a  considerable  distance 
into  the  country.  A  lieutenant  of  dragoons 
and  thirteen  privates,  wlio  had  been  sent'  back 
by  general  Proctor,  to  destroy  the  bridges, 
were  made  prisorers  near  the  mouth  of  the 
Thames;  from  them  the  general  learnt  that 
the  enemy  had  no  certain  information  of  our 
advance. 

The  baggage  of  the  army  was  brought  from 
Detroit  in  boats,  protected  by  a  part  of  com- 
modore Pcn-y's  squadron.  In  the  evening  the 
army  arrived  at  Drake's  farm,  eight  miles 
from  the  mouth  of  the  Thames  and  encamped. 
This  river  is  a  fine  deep  stream,  navigable  fir 
vessels  of  considerable  burthen,  after  the  pas- 
sage of  the  bar  at  its  mouth,  over  which  there 
is  generally  seven  feet  watef.  The  gun -boats 
could  ascend  as  fiir  as  Dalson's  below  which 
the  country  is  one  continued  prarie,  and  at 
*  once  favourable  for  cavalry  movements  and  for 
the  co-operation  of  the  gun-boats.  Above 
JJaison's  the  aspect  of  the  country  changes ; 


67 


ihe  river,  though  still  deep,  is  not  more  than 
seventy  yards  wide,  and  its  banks  high  and 
woody. 

At  Chatham,  four  miles  from  Dalson's  and 
sixteen  from  lake  St.  Clair,  is  a  small  deep 
creek,  where  we  found  the  bridge  taken  up 
and  the  enemy  disposed  to  dispute  our  pas- 
sage, and  upon  the  arrival  of  the  advanced 
guard,  commenced  a  heavy  fire  from  the  op- 
}30site  bank  as  well  as  a  flank  fire  from  the 
right  bank  of  the  river.  The  army  halted  and 
formed  in  order  of  battle.  The  bridge  was 
repaired  under  the  cover  of  a  fire  from  two  six 
pounders.  The  Indians  did  not  relish  the  fire 
of  our  cannon  and  retired.  Col.  Johnson  be- 
ing on  the  right,  had  seized  the  remains  of  a 
bridge  at  McGregor's  mills,  under  a  heavy 
fire  from  the  Indians.  He  lost  on  this  occa. 
sion,  two  killed  and  four  wounded.  The  ene- 
my set  fire  to  a  house  near  the  bridge  con- 
taining a  considerable  quantity  of  muskets; 
the  flames  were  extinguished  and  the  arms 
saved.  At  the  first  farm  above  the  bridge  we 
found  one  of  the  enemy's  vessels  on  fire,  load- 
ed with  arms  and  ordnance  stores.  Four  miles 
higher  up,  the  army  took  a  position  for  the 
night — here  we  found  two  other  vessels  and  a 
large  distillery  filled  with  ordnance  and  otlier 
stores  to  an  immense  amount,  in  flames.  Two 
24  poundei's,  with  their  carriages,  were  taken, 
and  a  large  quantity  of  ball  and  shells  of  vari-' 
ous  sizes. 


iJt^ 


1  •!! 


68 


The  army  was  put  in  motion  early  on  the 
morning  of  the  5th.  Tiie  general  accompani- 
ed col.  Johnson — Gov.  Shelby  followed  with 
the  infantry.  This  morning  we  captured  two 
gun- boats  and  several  batteaux  loaded  with 
provisions  and  ammunition.  At  nine  we  had 
reached  Arnold's  mills,  Avhere  there  is  a  ford- 
ing place,  and  the  only  one  for  a  considerable 
distance.  Here  the  army  crossed  to  the  right 
bank — the  mounted  regiment  fording,  and  the 
infantry  in  the  captured  boats.  The  passage, 
though  retarded  for  want  of  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  boats,  was  completed  by  twelve. 

Eight  miles  above  the  ford,  we  passed  the 
ground  where  the  British  force  had  encamped 
the  night  before.  The  general  directed  the 
advance  of  col.  Johnson's  regiment  to  accele- 
rate their  march,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertain- 
ing the  distance  of  the  enemy.  The  officer 
commanding  it,  shortly  after,  sent  word  back 
that  his  progress  was  stopped  by  the  enemy,  who 
were  formed  across  our  line  of  march. 

The  army  was  now  within  three  miles  of 
the  Moravian  town,  and  within  one  mile  of  the 
enen\y.  The  road  passes  through  a  beach 
forest  without  any  clearing,  and  for  tlie  first 
two  miles  near  to  the  bank  of  the  river.  At 
the  distance  of  fifty  rods  from  the  river  is  a 
swamp  running  parallel  to  it,  and  extending  all 
the  way  to  the  Indian  village.  The  niitrme- 
(iiaie  grounu  is  uiy  ;  luc  auiiav,c  iv,v*.i,  niv 
tr^es  are  lofty  and  thick,  with  very  little  un- 


it) move 


69 


derwood  to  impede  the  progress  of  man  or  horse, 
if  we  except  that  part  which  borders  on  the 
swamp. 

Across  this  narrow  strip  of  land,  the  British 
force  was  drawn  up  in  a  line  of  battle,  to  pre- 
vent our  advance.  Their  left  resting  on  the 
river,  was  defended  by  four  pieces  of  cannon 
— near  the  centre  were  two  other  pieces.  Near 
the  swamp  the  British  line  was  covered  by  a 
large  Indian  force,  who  also  lined  the  margin  of 
the  swamp,  to  a  considerable  distance.  The 
British  troops  amounted  to  600— the  IncUans 
probably  to  1200. 

As  it  was  not  practicable  to  turn  the  enemy 
in  flank,  it  became  necessary  to  attack  them  in 
front.  General  Harrison  did  not  long  hesitate 
in  his  clioice  of  the  mode  of  attack.  It  was  as 
novel  as  it  was  successful 

The  troops  at  his  disposal  might  amount  to 
3000  men  ;  yet,  from  the  peculiar  nature  of  the 
ground,  not  the  half  of  this  force  could  advanta- 
geously engage  the  enemy. 

About  150  regulars,  under  "col.  Paul,  occu- 
pied the  narrow  space  between  the  road  and 
river;  they  were  ordered  to  advance  and 
amuse  the  enemy  ;  and,  if  an  opportunity  of- 
fered, to  seize  the  cannon  of  the  enemy.  A 
small  party  of  friendly  Indians,  were  directed 
10  move  under  the  bank.     Coi  Joimsons's  rc- 


I 


f:l 


H 


70 


giment  was  drawn  up  in  close  column,  with  its 
right  at  a  few  yards  distant  from  the  road,  with 
orders  to  charge  at  full  speed,  as  soon  as  the 
enemy  delivered  his  fire.  The  Kentu-ky  vo- 
lunteers,  under  major  general  Henny,  were 
formed  in  the  rear  of  the  mounted  regiment, 
in  three  lines,  extending  from  the  road  to  the 
swamp.  Gen.  Desha's  division  covered  the 
left  of  Johnson's  regiment.  Gov.  Shelby  was 
at  the  crochet  formed  by  the  front  line  and  gen. 
Desha's  division.  This  was  an  important 
point.  General  Cass  and  commodore  Perry, 
volunteered  as  aids  to  general  Harrison,  who 
placed  himself  at  the  head  of  the  front  line  of 
mfantry,  to  direct  the  movements  of  the  cavalry, 
and  to  give  th*^m  the  necessary  support.  Such 
was  the  order  of  battle. 

The  army  moved  in  this  order,  till  the 
mounted  men  received  the  fu-e  of  the  enemy, 
at  the  distance  of  200  yards.  The  charge 
was  beat,  in  an  instant  1000  horse  were  in  mo- 
tion, at  full  speed — the  right  led  on  by  lieut. 
col.  James  Johnson  broke  through  the  Brit- 
ish lines,  and  formed  in  their  rear,  the  enemy's 
pieces  were  unloaded — their  bayonets  were 
not  fixed — they  surrendered  at  discretion — 
the  whole  was  the  work  of  a  minute.  In 
breaking  through  their  ranks  our  men  killed 
twelve  and  wounded  37  of  the  British  regu- 
lars. The  shock  was  unexpected.  They 
were  not  piepared  to    resist    it,    some  were 

.tramnlf»rl    nnH^r    i\\f^  fiv^t  rkf   r^ii»«   1if-w»<oAo  .    ^4. 
.^^ 


V/UiVi  D 


were  c 
were  si 
not  ge 
least  sy 
through 
have  l)e 
as  shee 
depicte( 
the  ofiic 
claimini 
that  the 
ing  tha 
bloody 
thing  w 
it  shoul 
Elliot- 
nor  of  1 
been  foi 

Ontl 
Col.  Jol 
his  regi 
Indians. 
The  C. 
his  colu 
and  waj 
At  this 
collectei 
ed  into 
Indians 
have  re 
rode  a  v 


fi 


nPT 


r.f 


I,  with  its 
oad,  with 
on  as  the 
turky  vo- 
iiy,  were 
regiment, 
3ad  to  the 
iertd  the 
lelby  was 
and  gen. 
important 
)re  Perry, 
son,  who 
►nt  line  of 
e  cavalry, 
t.     Such 


till  the 
e  enemy, 
e  charge 
•e  in  mo- 
by  lieiit. 
the  Brit- 
enemy's 
its  were 
Tetion — 
ute.  In 
en  killed 
■ih  regu- 
.  They 
ne  were 


71 


were  cut  down  by  the  soldiers ;  very  few 
were  shot  by  our  men,  for  our  fire  was 
not  general.  Had  the  enemy  shown  the 
least  symptoms  of  resistance,  after  we  broke 
through  their  lines,  the  greater  part  would 
have  l)een  destroyed,  but  they  were  as  passive 
as  sheep.  Never  was  terror  more  strongly 
depicted  on  the  countenances  of  men.  Even 
the  officers  were  seen  with  uplifted  hands,  ex- 
claiming "quarters!"  There  is  no  doubt, 
that  they  expected  to  be  massacreed,  believ- 
ing that  the  Kentuckians  would  retaliate  the 
bloody  scenes  of  Raisin  and  Miami;  but  no- 
thing was  farther  from  their  intentions,  except 
it  should  be  on  the  persons  of  Proctor  and 
Elliot — these,  neither  the  authority  of  Harrison 
nor  of  Shelby  could  have  saved,  if  they  had 
been  found  in  battle. 

On  the  left,  the  contest  was  more  serious. 
Col.  Johnson,  who  commanded  on  that  flank  of 
his  regiment  received  a  terrible  fire  from  the 
Indians,  which  was  kept  up  for  some  time. — 
The  Colonel  most  gallantly  led  the  head  of 
his  column  into  the  hottest  of  the  enemy's  fire, 
and  was  personally  opposed  to  Tecumsch. — 
At  this  point,  a  condensed  mass  of  savages  had 
collected.  Yet  regardless  of  danger,  he  rush- 
ed into  the  midst  of  them.,  !>o  thick  were  the 
Indians  at  this  moment,  that  several  might 
have  reached  him  with  their  rifles.  He 
rode  a  white  horse,  and  was  known  to  be  an  of- 

fiff^r  nf*  rant  •     a  cViO^t''*'**  '^^   KuUc  iime    #1ic-r>K.i 


«1J1- 


I 


I 


%^ 


n 

ed  at  him-.-some  took  effect — his  horse  \vas 
shot  under  him — his  clothes,  his  Saddle,  his 
person  was  pierced  with  bullets.  At  the  mo- 
ment his  horse  fell,  Tecumseh  rushed  towards 
him  with  an  uplifted  tomahawk,  to  give  the 
fatal  stroke,  but  his  pi-esence  of  mind  did  not 
forsake  him  in  this  perilous  predicament — he 
drew  a  pistol  from  his  holster  and  laid  his 
daring  opponent  dead  at  his  feet.  He  was  un- 
able  to  do  more,  the  loss  of  blood  deprived 
him  of  strength  to  stand.  Fortunately,  at  the 
moment  of  Tecumseh's  fall  the  enemy  gave 
way,  which  secured  him  from  the  reach  of 
their  tomahawks;  he  was  wounded  in  five 
places;  he  received  tliree  shots  in  the  right 
thigh  and  two  in  the  left  arm.  Six  Americans 
and  twenty-two  Indians  fell  within  twenty 
yards  of  the  spot  where  Tecumseh  was  killed 
and  the  trains  of  blood  almost  covered  the 
ground. 

The  Indians  continued  a  brisk  fire  from  the 
margin  of  the  swamp  and  made  some  impres- 
sion on  a  line  of  Kentucky  volunteers,  but 
governor  Shelby  brought  up  a  regiment  to  its 
support — their  fire  soon  became  too  warm 
for  the  enemy.  A  part  of  Johnson's  men  hav- 
ing gained  the  rear  of  a  part  of  the  Indian 
line  the -route  become  general.  A  small  part 
of  the  Indians  attempted  to  gain  the  village 
by  running  up  the  narrow  strip  of  dry  land ; 

they  were  soon  overtaken  and  cut  down. 

The  Indians  fousht  bravelv  and  sustained  a  I    *  I  had 


severe 
of  Tec 

The 
thirty  ' 
Whide 
of  70  > 
tion. 
and  pos 

Amc 
brass  fii 
by  Hul 
motto : 

The 
took  pc 
we  foui 
dance — 
for  seve 
bread  oi 
the  field 
excellen 

The 
were  so 
they  are 
the  Tha 
by  the  A 


horse  \vas 
addle,  his 
t  the  mo- 
d  towards 
give  the 
d  did  not 
ment — he 

I  laid  his 
e  was  un- 

deprived 
sly,  at  the 
;my  gave 

reach  of 
i  in  five 
the  right 
Lmericans 

II  twenty 
73LS  killed 
^ered  the 


from  the 
s  impres- 
sers,  but 
ent  to  its 
)0  warm 
men  hav- 
le  Indian 
nail  part 
e  village 
ry  land; 
wn. 


severe  loss  in  killed  and  wounded.     The  death 
of  Tecumseh  was  to  them  an  irreparable  loss. 

The  American  army  had  fifteen  killed  and 
thirty  wounded.  Among  the  slain  was  col. 
VVhidey,  of  the  Kentucky,  volunteers,  a  man 
of  70  years  of  age  and  a  soldier  of  the  revolu- 
tion. He  was  in  easy  circumstances  at  home, 
and  possessed  an  excellent  character. 

Among  the  trophies  of  the  day  were  six 
brass  field  pieces,  which  had  been  surrendered 
by  Hull — I  read  on  two  of  them  this  pleasing 
motto  :  "  Surrendered  by  Burgoyue  at  Sara- 
toga.^'* 

The  day  after  the  battle  a  part  of  the  army 
took  possession  of  the  Moravian  town,  where 
we  found  most  kinds  of  vegetables  in  abun- 
dance— these  were  acceptable  to  men  who  had 
for  several  days  subsisted  on  fresh  beef  without 
bread  or  salt.  We  found  plenty  of  green  corn ; 
the  fields  were  extensive  and  our  horses  had  an 
excellent  range. 

■      -A 

The  town  was  deserted;  so  panic  struck 
were  some  of  the  ^vomen  in  their  flight,  that 
they  are  said  to  have  thrown  their  childrer.  i^ito 
the  Thames,  to  prevent  their  being  butchered 
by  the  Americans!* 


stained  a  I     *  I  had  this  fact  from  an  Xmr^f'tn^r.  o-<:>r.«i.>mo»   xuhn 


G 


74 


This  village  is  situated  on  the  right  bank  of 
the  Thames,  about  forty  miles  from  its  en- 
trance into  lake  St.  Clair.  The  town  was  built 
by  emigrants  from  Muskingum,  and  con- 
tained at  the  time  of  the  battle  nearly  100 
houses,  mostly  well  built.  The  Rev.  John 
Scoll,  from  BethUhem,  (Penn.)  was  established 
here  as  a  missionary.  Many  of  the  inhabitants 
speak  English — there  was  a  school  house  and  a 
chapel.  The  gardens  were  luxuriant  and  culti- 
vated with  taste. 

The  town  was  destroyed,  as  well  as  the  corn- 
fields in  its  vicinity,  by  the  troops  previous  to 
their  leaving  it.  Among  other  reasons  assign- 
ed to  justify  the  measure,  it  was  alledged  that 
these  Indians  had  been  among  the  foremost  in 
massacreing  our  men  at  the  river  Raisin,  and 
that  the  town,  if  it  was  spared,  would  afford  a 
convenient  shelter  for  the  British  allies  during 
the  winter,  and  from  which  they  could  easily 
pass  into  the  Michigan  territory,  to  rob  and 
murder  the  inhabitants. 

I  have  yet  to  learn,  that  it  is  either  good  po- 
licy, or  justice,  for  the  American  troops,  i' 
every  instance,  to  burn  the  Indian  towns  that  fall 
into  their  power.  Are  the  Indians  to  be  re- 
claimed bv  fire  f 


was  at  Oxford,  when  Proctor  and  the  Indians  passed 
through  there,  on  their  way  to  Burlingtor  heights.  The 
Sauaws  were  then  lamenting  th?  loss  nf  their  children. 


Gen 
very  r 
charge, 
him  as 
sixty- fi 
few  of 
one  tin 
but  the 
His  cai 

Thn 
but  mil 
sures  1 
A  depc 
day's  n 

Wh) 
march 
Burling 
is  best 

The 

the  heai 

road  le 

and  str 

miles  d 

Londor 

near  th 

eastern 

and  De 

way  goi 

valuabl< 
A    i;4.i.i-, 

^  5.     illUC 


t  bank  of 
1  its  en- 
was  built 
md  con- 
arly  100 
Ev.  John 
tablished 
habitants 
ise  and  a 
ind  culti- 


the  com- 
2vious  to 
s  assign- 
Iged  that 
emost  in 
isin,  and 
I  afford  a 
?s  during 
Id  easily 
rob  and 


good  po- 
oops,  i 
s  that  fall 
to  be  re- 


ins 


passed 
ghts.  Thf 
lUdivn. 


75 

General  Proctor  abandoned  his  army  at  the 
very  moment  Johnson's  regiment  beat  the 
charge.  About  forty  dragoons  accompanied 
him  as  a  guard.  In  twenty-four  hours  he  was 
sixty.five  miles  from  the  Moravian  town.  A 
few  of  the  mounted  men  pursued  him,  and  at 
one  time  were  within  one  hundred  yards  of  him, 
but  they  were  too  weak  to  attack  his  guard. 
His  carriage  and  papers  were  taken. 

Three  v/aggons  loaded  with  s;jecie  escaped, 
but  might  have  been  overtaken,  if  proper  mea- 
sures had  been  taken  to  pursue  the  fugitives. 
A  depot  of  300  barrels  of  flour,  was  within  a 
day's  march  of  the  Moravian  town. 

Why  the  army  of  general  Harrison  did  not 
march  by  land  to  fort  George,  &  by  the  way  of 
Burlington  heights,  instead  of  going  by  water, 
IS  best  known  to  himself. 

The  distance  from  the  Moravian  town  to 
the  head  of  lake  Ontario,  is  140  miles.  The 
road  leaves  the  Thames  at  the  Indian  town, 
and  strikes  it  again  at  Delaware,  twenty-five 
miles  distant,  where  it  crosses,  passes  through 
London,  Oxford,  &e.  and  crosses  Grand  river, 
near  the  Mohawk  village,  pursuing  a  south- 
eastern  direction.  Between  Moravian  town 
and  Delaware,  the  road  is  bad,  the  rest  of  the 
way  good.  In  the  township  of  Delaware  is  a 
valuable  forest  of  pine,  belonging  to  the  crown. 
A  little  below  this,  on  the  left  bank  of  the 


76 


^rhames,  stands  the  Mimsee  Indian  village. 
The  land  in  this  part  of  the  Uppt  j.^vi  -e  is 
uncommonly  fertile,  and  admir a  y  ';  I'ulated 
for  farms.  On  the  river  there  are  extensive 
bottoms — then  a  gentle  rise  of  beautiful  tim- 
bered land,  to  which  succeed  openings  well  cal- 
culated for  wheat. 

Excepting  the  difference  of  sixty  miles  in 
the  respective  distances,  it  would  have  been 
as  easy  for  the  army  to  have  advanced  to  Bur- 
lington heights  as  it  was  to  return  to  De- 
troit. The  means  of  subsistence,  for  man  and 
horse,  could  have  been  procured  in  abundance. 
The  troops,  elated  by  the  victory  of  the  5th, 
would  have  cheerfully  gone  on  any  ex^jedi- 
tion,  conducted  by  Harrison,  and  accompani- 
ed by  such  men  as  Shelby,  Cass,  and  Perry. — 
Unfortunately  this  measure  was  not  embra- 
ced in  the  plans  of  the  campaign.  How  much 
would  have  been  gained — (how  much  misery 
to  our  own  citizens  prevented)  the  recent  oc- 
cun-ences  on  the  Niagara  frontier  sufficiently 
indicate. 

The  army  returned  to  Detroit.  Capt.  Elliot, 
of  the  Niagara,  volunteered  his  services  to  com- 
mand a  naval  expedition  against  Michilimacki 
nac  and  fort  St.  Joseph ;  but  the  weather  prov- 
ing unfavourable  for  a  number  of  days,  the 
season  became  too  far  advanced  to  risk  the 
squadron  on  lake  Huron,  till  spring. 


Wh 
tor  up 
Pottow 
posed 
tilities, 
tomaha 
all  whc 
States, 
brough 
fered  t 
viour. 

Lieu 
15th,  1 
Proctoi 
quested 
and  a  ] 
pers  ta 
dressed 
he  saw 
Detroit 
bv  the 

Aftei 
to  Deti 
in  the 
plore  p 
wich,  tl 
had  att] 
anxious 
ed  chief 
firmnesj 
he  asce 


77 


village. 
vi''<e  is 
irulated 
Ktensive 
ful  tim- 
vell  cal- 


niles  in 
^e  been 
to  Bur- 
to   De- 

fian  and 
ndance. 
he  5th, 
eX|jedi- 
)mpani- 
erry. — 
embra- 
V  much 
misery 
•ent  oc- 
iciently 


Elliot, 
to  com- 
macki- 
r  prov- 


ys, 


the 


isk  the 


While  general  Harrison  was  pursuing  Proc- 
tor up  the  Thames,  the  Ottowas,  Chippewas, 
Pottovvatamies,  Miamies  and  Kikapoos,  pro- 
posed to  gen.  M'  Arthur,  a  suspension  of  hos- 
tilities, and  agreed  to  '*  take  hold  of  the  same 
tomahawk  iMth  the  Americans,  and  to  strike 
all  who  are,  or  m^jy  be  enemies  of  the  United 
States,  whether  British  or  Indians."  They 
brought  in  their  women  and  children  and  of- 
fered them  a-=)  hostages  for  theii  good  beha- 
viour. 

Lieut.  Le  Breton  arrived  at  Detroit  n  the 
15th,  bearing  a  flftg,  and  a  letter  from  gtn. 
Proctor  to  gen.  Harrison.  'I'his  letter  re- 
quested humane  treatment  to  the  prisoners, 
and  a  restoration  of  certaii  property  and  pa- 
pers taken  on  the  5th.  As  the  letter  was  ad- 
dressed to  the  general,  "  at  Moravian  towns," 
he  saw  no  reason  for  Le  Breton's  journey  to 
Detroit,  and  ordered  him  to  join  gen.  Proctor 
by  the  way  of  Buffalo  and  fort  George, 

After  the  return  of  the  c  mmander  in  chief 
to  Detroit,  Walk-in-the- Water,  who  had  been 
in  the  battle  of  the  1  iiaraes,  came  in  to  im- 
plore peace.  When  he  crossed  frorr  Sand- 
wich, the  white  flag  which  he  bore  in  LiS  hand 
had  attracted  a  great  crowd  to  the  wharf,  ail 
anxious  to  get  a  near  view  of  the  distinguish- 
ed chief.  I  was  struck  with  admiration  at  the 
firmness  and  apparent  nonchalance  with  whi  h 
he  ascended  the    bank  and  nassed    throusrh 

G2      ^ 


'mM 


78 

tlie  ranks  of  the  Kentucky  volunteers,  whom 
lie  had  so  gallantly  opposed  in  battle  but  a 
lew  days  before.  I  never  saw  more  real  diff- 
"ity  of  carriage,  or  a  more  striking  firmness 
o  countenance.  Yet  his  situation  was  cal- 
cu lated  to  depress  his  spirits  and  produce  hu- 
minty.  His  town  was  in  the  power  of  the 
Americans— the  British  were  all  taken;  the 
Indians  had  just  suffered  a  signal  defeat— al- 
most all  the  other  chiefs  had  submitted-  he 
was  without  the  means  of  living  or  resistance ; 
still  Ins  manner  was  that  of  a  conqueror. 

Gov.  Shelby's  corps  and  the  twelve  month's 
volunteers,   were   all    honourably  discharged, 
rravelling  bc-ame  safe,  and  business  at  De- 
troit began  to  resume  its  wonted  course,  but 
the  price  current  of  the  territory  was  exhorbi- 
wu-  I      ^W  ^''"'S  to  eat,   drink   or  wear. 
Whisky  sold  at  M  a  gallon— beef  at  24  cents 
a  pound— cheese  60  do.— butter  75  do.— po- 
tatoes S2  a  bushel.     The  army  was  well  sup- 
plied  with  rations,  as  were  also  about  300  of 
me  Inhabitants  of  Michigan,  and  about  2000 
Indians,  men,  women  and  children,  who  had 
no  other  means  of  subsistence.     Adventurers 
soon  came  on  with  a  sufficient  supply  of  dry 
goods.  ^ 

On  the  23d  of  October,  general  Harrison 
with  all  his  disposable  regular  troops,  embark- 
ed on  board  the  fleet  and  sailed  for  Buffalo, 
m  obedience  to  orders  from  the  secretary  of 


,  whom 
:  but  a 
^al  dig- 
irmness 
as  cal- 
ice  hu- 
of  the 
n;  the 
lat — al- 
ed— he 
stance ; 


nonth's 
larged. 
at  De- 
je,  but 
chorbi- 
wear. 
i  cents 
. — po- 
ll sup- 
300  of 
:  2000 
10  had 
iturers 
of  dry 


irrison 
ibark- 
uffalo, 
iry  of 


79 

war.  Previous  to  his  departure,  he  appoint- 
ed gen.  Cass  provisional  governor  of  the  Mi- 
chigan territory—the  civil  ordinances,  as  they 
.stood  at  Hull*s  surrender,  were  proclaimed  in 
force.  Gen.  Cass  was  left  with  about  one 
thousand  men,  not  more  than  seven  hundred 
of  whom  were  effective.  The  men  were  in- 
dustriously  employed  in  preparing  winter 
quarters  at  the  fort.  The  Scorpion  and  Ohio 
schooners  were  engaged  in  transporting  sup. 
phes  from  Erie  and  Cleveland,  for  the  troops 
during  winter.  Troops  were  stationed  at  ivial- 
den  and  Sandwich. — The  campaign  closed. 

General   Harrison  has    been  charged  with 
conducting  war  on  the  Fabian  plan— with  un- 

necessary  delay  in  his  military  movements 

with  bad  generalship  at  fort  Meigs— with  timi- 
dity at  Sandusky. 

It  is  not  my  purpose  to  "  extenuate''  the 
uults  of  general  Harrison ;  but  justice  should 
be  the  moral  aim  of  every  writer.  It  must  be 
confessed,  that  the  capture  of  Maiden  and  the 
recovery  of  Detroit  were  not  so  speedily  ac- 
complished as  the  public  impatience  had  an- 
ticipated. But  there  were  great  natural  ob- 
stacles to  be  overcome — a  numerous  train  of 
artillery  was  to  be  transported  through  an  ex- 
tensive wilderness,  where  there  were  neither 
roads,  bridges  or  ferries.  There  was  an  im- 
mense line  of  frontier  to  cover  and  defend. 


80 

Ther^  was  a  powerful  and  active  foe  to  com- 
bat.  The  enemy  controuled  the  navigation 
of  the  lake — they  may  be  said  to  have  com- 
manded the  woods,  because  it  was  at  all  times: 
in  their  power  to  intercept  and  cut  off  sup- 
plies. There  was  a  British  regular  force  of 
at  least  one  thoiisand  men,  supporte^J  at  all 
times  by  a  respectable  militia  force,  rendered 
loyal  by  the  conduct  of  Hull;  besides,  the 
British  general  could  command  the  services 
of  three  thousand  Indian  warriors,  of  fero- 
cious and  desperate  character.  The  enemy, 
then,  could  embody  at  any  given  point  five 
thousand  effective  troops.  Maiden  and  De- 
troit were  strong  military  posts,  defended  by 
a  suitable  number  of  guns.  In  tlie  summer 
season  a  naval  force  could  co-operate  with  great 
effect. 

The  disaster  at  the  river  Raisin  rendered 
the  first  campaign  abortive.  From  the  de- 
feat of  Winchester,  till  the  victory  of  com. 
Perry,  the  enemy  had  at  all  times  a  numerical 
superiority,  as  well  as  great  local  advantages. 
Another  consideration — the  troops  composing 
the  north-western  army,  were  for  the  most 
part,  detached  or  volunteer  militia,  whose 
term  of  service,  after  the  first  six  months, 
were  continually  expiring,  and  whose  places 
were  to  be  supplied  by  fresh  drafts  or  volun- 
teers. Whenever  the  general  saw  a  favour- 
able moment  for  consummating  his  views 
and  the  wishies  of  the  nation,  it  was  lost ;  be- 


81 


cause  an  Important  corps  of  his  army  might 
leave  him  when  their  services  were  most  want- 
ed. .After  gov.  Shelby  joined  him,  he  was  in 
a  condition  to  "  look  down  all  opposition"-*— 
that  he  well  improted  his  time,  is  abundantly 
proven,  I  think,  by  the  fact,  that  but  ten  days 
intervened  between  the  departure  of  the  army 
from  Put-in-bay,  till  the  capture  of  Proctor^s 
army,  and  the  defeat  of  the  Indians.  In  this 
march,  six  bridges  were  repaired — one  thousand 
horses  ferried  over  the  Detroit  river,  and  one 
day  lost  on  the  lake  by  head  winds.  Does  this 
look  like  a  Fabian  movement  ? 

Of  his  g'eneralship  at  fort  Meigs,  different 
opinions  are  entertained.  Perhaps,  knowing 
as  he  did,  the  impetuous  and  ungovernable 
nature  of  the  Kentucky  militia,  he  erred  in 
trusting  to  their  execution,  so  difficult  and 
hazardous  a  piece  of  service  as  was  confided  to 
col.  Dudley. 

That  the  fort  was  defended  not  only  in  a 
military,  but  in  a  glorious  manner,  the  works 
bear  ample  testimony.  The  picketing  was 
every  where  pierced  by  the  enemy's  shot, — 
The  general  was  always  exposed,  and  never  be- 
trayed the  least  solicitude  for  his  personal  safety. 
The  defence  v^as  as  obstinate  as  that  of  Genoa, 
by  Masscna  ;  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  gar- 
rison, like  the  French,  would  have  eaten  their 
horses,  had  the  state  of  provisions  rendered  such 
a  measure  necessary. 


i 


« 


>  w 


82 


Respecting  the  charge  of  timidity  at  Saiv 
dusky,  It  may  be  proper  to  observe  that  gen. 
Harrison  was  probably  able  to  defeat,   if  not 
^^T""!  Proctor's  force,   after  it  had  been 
weakened  by  its    losses  at   fort  Stephenson. 
J3ut  there  was  a  contingency  that  might  justi- 
fy a  prudent  general  in  declining  a  ccitest 
1  ecumseb,  with  2000  warriors,  was  known  to 
^  on  the  alert,  and  not  far  distant.     In  case 
Harrison   had  advanced    upon    Proctor    and 
IJixon,  and  had  given  them  battle,  his  camp, 
containing  the  sick  and  stCM^  of  the  armv 
would  have  been  liable  to  pillage.  "  Tecum- 
sen  could  have  easily  thrown    himself   into 
Harrisons    rear,    or    have  co-operated    with 
Froctw  whose  combined  forces  would  have 
been  too  strong  for  the  Americans.     The  gene- 
ral   to  be  sure,  might  have  acquired  glory  in 

^fSf'i^u^  ^.^"'?;>.^'^^  ^e  "^^iht  have  been 
defeated  himself.  The  nation  has  loudly  ap- 
f  lauded  Croghan  for  his  heroic  defence  of 
fort  Stephenson.  Why  ?  Because  we  are  as- 
tonished to  behold  a  small  fort,  garrisoned  by 
one  hundred  and  thirty-eight  men,  defended 
agamst  two  thousand.     Suppose  the  place  had 

•  o  vT^"'  ^^"^^  ^^  ^^^^  excited  our  sur- 
prize  ?No,  we  should  most  certainly  have  cen- 
sured Croghan  for  his  rashness.  By  delay  the 
general  was  certain  to  attain  his  purpose;  he 
knew  that  when  Shelby's  corps  and  an  addi- 
tional number  of  regulars  should  join  him,  he 
would  be  superior  to  the  enemy ;  and  he  would 


83 

also  have  the  co-operation  of  commodore  Per- 
17.  Events  have  fully  justified  his  expecta- 
tions. He  has  accomplished  his  purpose  with- 
out hazarding  any  thing.  It  were  well  for  the 
country,  if  our  other  commanders  had  done  as 
much. 


i  li 


t  III  i 


■■nil 


MINUTE  AND  INTERESTING  ACCOUNT 


OF   THE 


NAVAL  CONFLICT  ON  LAKE  ERIE. 

Commodore  Perry  arrived  at  Erie  in  June, 
with  five  small  vessels,  from  Black  Rock. — 
The  Queen  Charlotte  and  Lady  Prevost,  were 
cruising  oiF  Long  Point  to  intercept  him~he 
passed  them  in  the  night  unperceived.  The 
Lawrefice  and  Niagara  were  then  on  the 
stocks — every  exertion  was  made  to  expedite 
their  building  and  equipment,  and  early  in 
August  they  were  ready  to  sail.  But  it  was 
necessary  to  pass  -the  bar  at  the  entrance  of 
the  harbour,  over  which  there  was  but  six  feet 
water,  and  the  brigs  drew  nine.  The  British 
fleet  appeared  off  the  harbour,  for  the  purpose 
of  preventing  our's  from  going  to  lake! — 
The  means  employed  by  our  officers  to  take 
the  brigs  over  the  bar,  were  ingenious  and  de- 
serve mention.  Two  large  scows,  fifty  feet 
long,  ten  feet  wide,  and  eight  feet  deep,  were 
prepared — they  were  first  filled  with  water 
and  then  floated  along  side  one  of  the  vessels 
in  a  parallel  direction ;  they  were  then  secur- 
ed by  means  of  large  pieces  of  hewn  timber 
placed  athwart  ship,  with  both  ends  pro- 
jecting from  the  port  holes  across  the  scows ; 


85 

the  space  between  the  timbers  and  the  boat, 
being  secured  by  other  pieces  properly  arrang- 
ed ;  the  water  was  then  bailed  from  the  scows, 
thereby  giving  them  an  astonishing  lifting 
power.  It  was  thus  that  the  bar  was  passed, 
before  the  enemy  had  taken  the  proper  steps 
to  oppose  it.  One  obstacle  was  surmounted, 
but  the  fleet  was  not  in  a  condition  to  seek  the 
enemy  at  Maiden.  There  was  not  at  this  time 
more  than  half  sailors  enough  to  man  the  fleet. 
However,  a  number  of  Pennsylvania  militia 
having  volunteered  their  services,  the  commo- 
dore made  a  short  cruize  oflf  Long  Point,  more 
perhaps,  for  the  purpose  of  exercising  his  men 
than  seeking  an  enemy- 

About  the  last  of  August  commodore  Per- 
ry left  Erie,  to  co-operate  with  gen.  Harrison 
in  the  reduction  of  Maiden  He  anchored  oft* 
the  mouth  of  Sandusky  rive^  and  had  an  mter- 
view  with  gen.  Harrison,  who  furnished  him 
with  about  seventy  volunteers,  principally  Ken- 
tuckians,  to  serve  as  marines  on  board  the  fleet. 
Capt.  Dobbm,  in  the  Ohio,  was  ordered  to 
return  to  Erie  for  provisions.  The.  Amelia 
had  been  left  there  for  want  of  men  to  man  her. 
Exclusive  of  these  he  had  nine  sail,  mounting 
in  all  fifty-four  guns.  The  British  fleet  at 
Maiden,  consisted  of  six  sail,  and  mountrd 
sixty-six  guns. 

Com.  Perry  appeared  before  Maiden,  of- 
fered   battle,    reconnoitered    the   enemy    and 

U 


il 


m 


retired  to  Put-in-Bay,  thirty-five  miles  distant 

trom  his  antagonist.     Both  parties  remained  a 

lew  days  inactive;  but  their  repose  was  that  of 
the  hon. 

On  the  morning  of  the  10th  of  September, 
at  sunrise,  the  enemy  were  discovered  bearing 
down  from  Maiden  for  the  evident  purpose  of 
attacking  our  squadron,  then  at  anchor  in  Put- 
in-Bay.     Not  a  moment  was  to  be  lost.     Our 
squadron  immediately  got   under    way,    and 
stood  out  to  meet  the  British  fleet,  which  at 
tins  time  had  the  weather  sfage.     At  10  A  M 
the  wii>d  shifted  from  S:"W.  to  S.  E.  which 
brought    our  squadron    to   windward.     The 
wind  was  light,  the  day  beautiful— not  a  cloud 
obscured  the  horizon.     The  line  was  formed 

^VH'  ^^^  ^^^'  ^^"^  caused  an  elegant  flag, 
which  he  had  privately  prepared,  to  be  hoist- 
ed  at  the  mast  head  of  the  Lawrence  ;  on  this 
flag  was  painted,  in  characters  legible  to  the 
whole  fleet,  the  dying  words  of  the  immor- 
tal Lawrence  : — "Don't   give    up   the 
SHIP."   Its  effect  is  not  to  be  described — every 
heart  was  electrified.     The  crews  cheered— the 
exhilarating  can  was  passed.     Both  fleets  ap- 
peared eager  for  the  conflict,  on  the  result  of 
which  so  much  depended.     At  15  minutes  be^ 
fere  12,  the  Detroit,  the  head-most  ship  of  the 
enemy,  opened  upon  the  Lawrence,  which  foi' 
ten  minutes,  was  obliged  to  sustain  a  well  di- 
rected and  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's  two 
]^rge  ships,  without  being,  able  to  return  it 


87 


es  distant 
mained  a 
as  that  of 


ptember, 
i  bearing 
Lirpose  of 
r  in  Put- 
5t.     Our 
ay,    and 
vhich  at 
DA.  M. 
i^.  which 
a.     The 
a  cloud 
» formed 
ant  flag, 
e  hoist- 
on  this 
;  to  the 
immor- 

rP    THE 


— every 
sd — the 
eets  ap- 
esult  of 
ites  be- 
p  of  the 
lich  foi 
t^ell  di- 
^'s  two 
^urn  it 


with  carronades,  at  five  minutes  before  twelve 
the  Lawrence  opened  upon  the  enemy — the 
other  vessels  were  ordered  lo  support  her,  but 
the  wind  was  at  this  time  too  light  to  enable 
them  to  come  up.  Every  brace  and  bowline 
of  the  Lawrence  being  soon  shot  away,  she 
became  unmanageable,  and  in  this  situation 
sustained  the  action  upwards  of  two  hours, 
within  canister  distance,  until  every  gun  was 
rendered  useless,  and  but  a  small  part  of  her 
crew  left  unhurt  upon  deck. 

At  half  past  two  the  wind  increased  and  en- 
abled the  Niagara  to  come  into  close  action — ' 
the  gun-boats  took  a  nearer  position.  Com. 
Perry  left  his  ship  in  charge  of  Lt.  Yarnel,  and 
went  on  board  the  Niagara.  Just  as  he  reach- 
ed that  vessel,  the  flag  of  the  Lawrence  came 
down  ;  the  crisis  had  arrived.  Capt.  Elliot  at 
this  moment  anticipated  the  wishes  of  the  com- 
modore, by  volunteering  his  services  to  bring 
the  schooners  into  close  action. 

At  forty-five  minutes  past  two  the  signal  was 
made  for  close  action.  The  Niagara  be- 
ing very  little  injured,  and  her  crew  fresh,  the 
commodore  determined  to  pass  through  the 
enemy's  line;  he  accordingly  bore  up  and 
passed  ahead  of  the  Detroit,  Queen  Charlotte, 
and  Lady  Prevost,  pouring  a  terrible  raking 
fire  into  them  from  the  starboard  guns,  and  on 
the  Chippeway  and  Little  Belt,  from  the  lar- 
board side,  at  half  pistol  shot  distance.     The 


i 


m 


m 


-lilH 


88 

small  vessels  at  this  time  having  got  within 
grape  and  canister  distance,   kept  up  a  weU 
dnected  and  destructive  fire.     Tile  action  now 
raged    with    the    greatest    fury^the    Queen 
*^iiariottc    having  lost  her  commander  and  se- 
venil  of  her  principal  officers,  in  a  momem  of 
confusion  got  foul  of  the  Detroit— in  this  situa- 
tiOD.  the  enemy  in  their  turn  had  to  sustain  a 
tremendous  fire  without  the  power  of  returning 
t  u/ith  much  effect ;  the  carnage  was  horrible 
— tbe  flags  of  the  Detroit,  Queen  Charlotte  and 
.Lady  rrevost,  were  struck  in  rapid  succession. 
I  he  brig  Hunter,  and  schooner  Chippewav, 
were  so9n  compelled  to  follow  the  example. 
1  He  Little  Belt  attempted  to  escape  to  Maiden 
but  she  was  pursued  by  two  of  the  gun-boats 
and  surrendered  about  three  miles  distant  from 
the  scene  of  action. 

The  writer  of  this  account,  in  company  with 
hye  others,  arrived  at  the  head  of  Put-in-Bay 
island,  on  the  evening  of  the  9th,  and  had  a 
view  of  the  action,  at  the  distance  of  only  ten 

f^A  Xil^  spectacle  was  truly  grand  and 
awtul.  1  he  firing  was  incessant,  for  the  space 
ot  three  hours,  and  continued  at  short  inter- 
vals  forty-five  minutes  longer.  In  less  than 
one  hour  after  the  battle  began,  most  of  the 
vessels  of  both  fleets  were  enveloped  in  a 
cloud  of  smoak,  which  rendered  the  issue  of 
the  action  uncertain,  till  the  next  morning, 
when  we  visited  the  fleet  in  the  harbour  on  & 
opposite  side  of  the  island.     The  reader  will 


easily  j 
suit, 
suspens 
issue  o: 

If  th 
the  inte 
cd  our 
on  boai 
regime! 
bravely 
either  1< 

The 
digious 
besides 
and  q 
bow  to 
one's  1 
touchir 
many  1 
lodged 
tobepe 
pistol  s' 
shattere 
got  int( 

The 
ticularl 
flag  wa 
duty  r 
comple 
guns  c 


89 


easily  judge  of  our  solicitude  to  learn  tlie  re* 
suit.  There  is  no  sentiment  more  painful  than 
suspense,  when  it  is  excited  by  the  uncertain 
issue  of  an  event  like  this. 

If  the  wind  had  continued  at  S.  W.  it  was 
the  intention  of  admiral  Barclay  to  have  board- 
ed our  squadron ;  for  this  purpose  he  had  taken 
on  board  his  fleet  about  200  of  the  famous  41st 
regiment ;  they  acted  as  marines  and  fought 
bravely,  but  nearly  two  thirds  of  them  were 
either  killed  or  wounded. 

The  carnage  on  board  the  prizes  was  pro- 
digious— they  must  have  lost  200  in  killed 
besides  wounded.  -  The  sides  of  the  Detroit 
and  Queen  Charlotte  were  shattered  from 
bow  to  stern ;  there  was  scarcely  room  to  place 
one's  hand  on  their  larboard  sides  without 
touching  the  impression  of  a  shot — a  great 
many  balls,  caaiister  and  grape,  were  found 
lodged  in  their  bulwarks,  which  were  too  thick 
to  be  penetrated  by  our  carroriades  unless  within 
pistol  shot  distance.  Their  masts  were  so  much 
shattered  that  they  fell  overboard  soon  after  they 
got  into  the  bay. 

The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  severe,  par- 
ticularly on  board  the  Lawrence.  When  her 
flag  was  struck  she  had  but  nine  men  fit  for 
duty  remaining  on  deck.  Her  sides  were 
completely  riddled  by  the  shot  from  the  long 
guns  of  the  British   Ships.     Her  deck,  the 

H2 


' 


90 

S"l  t-?'  *f  '°"''''=*'  ^^hen  1  first  went  on 
board,  exhibited  a  scene  that  defies  descrip- 

whlT'.-n'"  '\T^  '^""y  '^°^«='^d  with  blooS, 
which  st.ll  adhered  to  the  plank  in  clots-; 

S.  lo'  ,k"'  ^'■'?'"'""'  "^  ''°"^«  ^"^"^  ''till 
sticking  to  the  rigging  and  sides,     'l^ie  sur 

geons  were  still  bus/  with  the  wounded- 
enough !  horror  appalled  my  senses. 

Among  the  wounded  were  several    brave 

'1Z~^1  "PP^'f^^  -cheerful  and  elpressed 
a  hoj^  that  they  had  done  their  duty.  Rome 
and  Sparta  would  have  been  proud  of  these 

.til7''"f  ^-  ^r  T'^'^''^  ^^  particularize  in- 
stances  of  individual  merit,  where  every  one 
so  nobly  performed  his  part.  Of  the'  nine 
seamen  remaining  unhurt  at  the  time  the 
Uwrence  struck  her  flag,  five  were  immedi- 
ately  promoted  for  their  unshaken  firmness 
m  such  a  trying  situation.  The  most  of  these 
had  been  m  the  actions  with  the  Guerriere  and 

Every  officer  of  the  Lawrence,  except  the 
commodore  and  his  little  brother,  a  promising 
youth  13  .rears  old,  were  either  killed  or  wound- 
ed, a  list  of  whose  names  are  given  at  the  close 
ot  the  account. 

The  efficacy  of  the  gun  boats  was  fully 


proved 
prizes 
They  t( 
emy  se 
men  be 
I'heir  f 
the  ene 
Genera] 
*'  His  [ 
which  I 
ing  the 

The 

entitled 

day  wa 

ous  woi 

was  nov 

other,  b; 

of  the  r 

violent  c 

for  some 

sible  atte 

com.  P( 

recovere 

fleet.    T 

saw  the 

Perry  Ici 

unable  t( 

their  lodi 

On  b( 

after  her 
away  in  1 


91 

proved  in  thi.  action,  and  th«  ,  ol  all  the 

prizes  bear  ample  testimony         i,    fact. 

They  took  raking  positions  ar  k  illed  the  en- 
emy severely.  1  he  Lady  Pre .  ost  lost  twelve 
men  before  eidier  of  the  b  gs  fired  on  her.— . 
riieir  fire  was  quick  and  precise.  Let  us  hear 
the  enemy.  The  general  order  ol  Ar  tant 
General  Baynes,  contains  the  following  words: 
His  [Perry's]  numerous  gun  boats,  [fourl 
which  had  proved  the  greatest  annoyance  dur- 
ing  the  action,  were  all  uninjured." 

The  undaunted  bravery  of  admiral  Barclay 
entitled  him  to  a  better  fate ;  to  the  loss  of  the 
day  was    superadded    grievous    and  danger- 
ous wounds :  he  had  before  lost  an  arm ;   it 
was  now  his  hard  fortune  to  lose  the  use  of 'the 
other,  by  a  shot  which  carried  away  the  blade 
ol  the  right  shoulder ;  a  canister  shot  made  a 
violent  contusion  in  his  hip  :  his  wounds  were 
tor  some  days  considered  mortal.     Every  pos- 
sible  attention  was  paid  to  his  situation.— When 
com.  Perry  sailed  for  Buffalo,  he  was  so  far 
recovered  that  he  took  passage  on  board  our  • 
fleet.    The  fleet  touched  at  Erie.    The  citizens 
saw  the  affecting  spectacle  of  Harrison  and 
Perry  leading  the  wounded  British  Hero,  still 
unable  to  walk  without  help,  from  the  beach  to 
their  lodgings. 

On  board  of  the  Detroit,  twenty-four  hours 
after  her  surrender,  were  found  snugly  stowed 
away  in  the  hold,  two  Indian  Chiefs;  who  h^d 


w 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


'4^ 


92 


the  courage  to  go  on  board  at  Maiden,  for  the 
purpose  of  acting  as  sharp  sliooters  to  kill  our 
cheers. .  One  had  the  courage  to  ascend  into 
the  round  top  and  discharged  his  piece,  but 
the  whiLzing  of  shot,  splinters,  and  bits  of  rig- 
ging, soon  made  the  place  too  warm  for  him 
• — ^he  descended  faster  than  he  went  up ;  at  the 
moment  he  reached  the  deck,  the  fragments  of 
a  seaman's  head  struck  his  comrade's  face,  and 
covered  it  with  bJood  and  brains.  He  vocife- 
rated the  sa'-'iqje  interjection  "  quoth  /"  and  both 
sought  safety  below. 

The  British  officers  had  domesticated  a  hear 
at  Maiden.  Bruin  accompanied  his  comrades 
to  battle-— was  on  the  deck  of  the  detroit  dur- 
ing the  engagement,  and  escaped  imhurt. 

The  killed  of  both  fleets  were  thrown  over 
board  as  fast  as  they  fell.  Several  were  washed 
ashore  upon  the  island  and  the  main  during  the 
gales  that  succeeded  the  action. 

Com.  Perry  treated  the  prisoners  with  hu- 
manity and  indulgence;  several  Canadians, 
having  wives  at  Maiden,  were  permitted  to  visit 
their  families  on  parole. 

The  British  were  superior  in  the  length  and 
number  of  their  guns,  as  well  as  in  the  number 
of  men.  The  American  fleet  was  manned 
with  a  motly  set  of  beings,  Europeans,  Afri- 
cans, Americans  from  every  part  of  the  Uni- 


ted Si 

saw  c 
word 
who  c 
Perry 

The 
quies 
who  h 
in  an 
openin 
for  the 
of   boi 
fine — t 
the  sol 
was  hu 
of  the 
neat  aj 
music- 
oars,  s 
the  sole 
flags— 
differen 
solitary 
nature, 
grandei 
knowlci 
afliected 
terrible 
the  peo] 
in  the  c 
ciated  li 
of  respe 


^,  for  the 
:o  kill  our 
icend  into 
piece,  but 
jits  of  rig- 
11  for  him 
ip ;  at  the 
gments  of 
1  face,  and 
He  vocife- 
'  and  both 


ted  a  bear 
comrades 
troit  dur- 
iirt. 

own  over 
re  washed 
luring  the 


with  hu- 
'anadians, 
ed  to  visit 


?ngth  and 
e  number 
;  manned 
ms,  Afri- 
the  Uni- 


93 

ted  States.  Full  one  fourth  were  blacks.  I 
saw  one  Russian,  who  could  not  speak  a 
word  of  English.  They  were  brave — and 
who  could  be  otherwise  under  the  command  of 
Perry? 

The  day  after  the  battle,  the  funeral  obse- 
quies  of  the  American  and  British  officers, 
who  had  fallen  in  the  action,  were  performed, 
in  an  appropriate  and  affecting  manner.  An 
opening  on  the  margin  of  the  bay,  wa  selected 
for  the  mterment  of  the  bodies.  The  crews 
of  both  fleets  attended.  The  weather  was 
fi"^ — ^^^  elements  seemed  to  participate  in 
the  solemnities  of  the  day,  for  every  breeze 
was  hushed  and  not  a  v.'ave  ruffled  the  surface 
of  the  water.     The  processioii  of  boats^the 

neat  appearance  of  the  officers  and  men the 

music — the  slow  and  regular  motion  of  the 
oars,  striking  in  exact  time  with  the  notes  pf 
the  solemn  dirge — the  mournful  waving  of  the 
"?S^ — ^^^  sound  of  the  minute  guns  from  the 
different  ships  in  the  harbour— the  wild  and 
solitary  aspect    of  the   place— the  stilness  of 
nature,  gave  to  the  scene  an  air  of  melancholy 
grandeur,   better  felt  than  described— all  ac- 
knowledged its  influence— all  were  sensibly 
affected.     What  a  contrast  did  it  exhibit  to  the 
terrible  conflict  of  the  preceding  day !     Then 
the  people  of  the  two  squadrons  were  engaged 
Ml  the  deadly  strife  of  arms.     Now  they  asso- 
ciated  like  brothers,  to  pay  the  last  sad  tribute 
of  respect  to  the  dead  of  both  nations. 


I 


3. 


u 

Five  officers  wctc  interreJ,  two  American 
and  t  ree  British.  Lt.  Brooks  and  naidship- 
man  Laub  of  the  Lawrence  ;  capt.  Finnis  and 
it.  Stokoe  of  the  Queen  Charlotte,  and  lieut. 
Garland  of  the  Detroit.  The  graves  are  but 
a  few  paces  from  the  beach,  and  the  future 
travelfer  of  either  nation,  will  find  no  memento 
whereby  he  may  distinguish  the  American  from 
Ibt  Briti^  hero. 

The  marines  of  our  fleet  were  highly  com- 
plimented  by  the  commodore,  for  &eir  good 
conduct ;  although  it  was  tlie  first  time  the 
most  of  diem  had  seen  a  square  rigged  vessel, 
^ein»  fresh  from  Hairison's  army.  The  Ken. 
tuckians  proved,  on  this  occasion,  as  has  the 
commodore  since,  that  diey  can  hght  on  both 
elements. 

Capt  Elliot  certainly  deserves  great  praise 
fta-  his  bravery— -it  is  to  be  regretted,  however, 
Aat  he  overacted  his  part.  When  he  went  on 
board  the  Scorpion  to  order  lier  to  take  a  near- 
er position  to  the  enemy,  he  ordered  captain 
Almy  below,  and  struck  several  of  the  men  in 
their  faces  with  his  speaking  trumpet,  by 
which  means  he  gave  them  much  pain  and  in- 
delible scars,  without  accelerating  a  moment, 
her  motion,  or  her  fire.  Such  freaks  of  passion 
and  tyranny  must  be  exposed,  hov/ever  pain- 
ful the  task.  The  Scorpion  had  been  well 
fought,  and  neither  her  captain  or  crew  de- 
served   the   treatment   they  received.    After 


^ 


American 
d  midship. 
Finnis  and 

and  lieut. 
^es  are  but 
the  future 
0  memento 
erican  from 


ighly  com- 
their  good 
t  time  the 
ged  vessel, 
The  Ken- 
as  has  the 
it  on  both 


reat  praise 
,  however, 
le  went  on 
ike  a  near- 
zd  captain 
:he  men  in 
impet,  by 
m\  and  in- 
I  moment, 
of  passion 
ever  pain- 
been  well 
crew  de- 
;d.     After 


93 

the  action,  commodore  Perry  offered  captain 
Almy  the  command  of  the  Lady  Prevost,  but 
he  declined  the  honour,  and  requested  that  ^ 
court  martial  might  decide  on  his  guilt  or  in- 
nocence. 

Capt.  Turner,  of  the  Caledonia,  sigi^lized 
himself — he  brought  his  ship  into  action  in  an 
able  manner,  and  contributed,  no  doubt,  his 
full  share  towards  the  success  of  the  day.     He 
is  an  officer  of  courage  and  skill ;  but  the  man- 
ner in  which  he  treats  his  men,  detracts  much 
from  his  merit  as  a  naval  commander.     Where 
humanity  is  wanting,   all  other  virtues  shine 
with  diminished  lustre.     The  men  who  fought 
so  gloriously  on  the  ever  memorable  10th  of 
September— -who  risked  their  lives    and  re- 
ceived honourable  wounds — who  generously 
volunteered  then-  services,  and  whose  heroism 
will  be  celebrated  through  distant  ages,  ought 
not  to  be  flogged,  cruelly  flogged  like  dogs, 
for  trivial,  or  rather  for  no  offences  at  all.'— • 
Men  whose  services  are  greater  than  the  na- 
tional gratitude  or  recompence  can  requite, 
ought  not  to  languish  in  sickness — to  sink  in. 
death,  without  one  effort  to  save  them — with- 
out the  least  attention  to  alleviate  their  suffer- 
ings. 

The  following  jyertinent  motto  has  excited 
unbounded    enthusiasm  : — "  Free    trade  and' 
Sailor's  rights,''    Let  then  the  "  rights''  of  the 
"  Saiior'*  be  respected,  as  well  by  our  own 


r 


«  i 


h 


96 

©fficers  as  by  those  of  the  enemy.  It  is  some- 
thing worse  than  folly  to  talk  of  "  Sailor's 
rights,''  while  our  naval  officers  are  permitted 
to  flog,  beat,  and  otherwise  maltreat  their  men. 
The  oflicers  acquire  their  glory,  in  most  cases, 
at  the  expense  of  the  lives  and  the  blood  of 
their  men.  How  great  then  the  obligation  to 
treat  them  with  kindness  and  humanity  !  But 
it  may  be  objected,  that  a  lenient  system  of 
discipline  will  not  answer  for  the  naval  service 
— that  we  must  immitate  the  British  in  severity. 
Nothing  is  more  fallacious — I  will  only  cite 
one  case,  to  prove  my  position :  the  crew  of 
the  Esspx  are  as  obedient  to  command  as  that 
of  any  ship  in  the  navy ;  yet  the  gallant  capt. 
Porter,  who  is  as  humane  as  he  is  brave,  never 
inflicts  coiporal  punishment.  If  the  limits  of 
this  work  permitted,  I  could  give  facts,  names 
and  circumstances,  that  would  astonish  die  read- 
er, ind  excite  his  indignation. 


Statement  of  the  force  of  the  British  Squadron. 
Ship  Detroit  19  guns  1  on  pivot,  and 

2  howitzers. 
Queen  Charlotte  17  do.         1  do. 
Schr.  Lady  Prevost      13  do,         1  do. 
Brig  Hunter  10  do. 

Sloop  Little  Belt  3  do. 

Schr.  Chippeway  1  do.  and  2  swivels. 


63  guns. 


97 


It  is  some- 
"  Sailor's 
5  permitted 
their  men. 
aost  cases, 
le  blood  of 
^ligation  to 
lity !  But 
system  of 
val  service 
in  severity, 
only  cite 
le  crew  of 
md  as  that 
llant  capt. 
ave,  never 
e  limits  of 
^tSy  names 
ti  die  read- 


Statetnent  of  the  force  of  the  United  States 

Squadron. 


Squadron, 

pivot,  and 

lovvitzers. 

o. 

o. 


wivels. 


Brig  Lawrance 
Niagara 
Caledonia 

Sclir.  Ariel 

Scorpion 
Somers 
Sloop  Trippe 
ASchr.  Tigres 
Porcupine 


20  guns 
20  do. 

3  do. 

4  do.  (1  burst  early  in 

the  action) 
2  do. 

2  do.  and  2  swivels 
Ido. 
1  do, 
Ido. 

54  guns. 


List  of  killed  and  wounded  on  board  the  Uni- 
ted States  squadron  under  command  of  O. 
H.  Perry,  Esq.  in  the  action  of  10th  Sep- 
tember, 1813,  viz: 

On  board  the  Lawrence ^ 
KILLED. 

•jKjftn  Brooka^  LieutanarK  MaiineSy 
'  Henry  Laub,  Afid shiftman^ 
X!hristian  Maxjhew,  Qr.  Master^ 
James  TV.  jlllen^  seaman^ 
Josefih  Kennedy^  do. 

John  C.  Kelly,  firivate  in  the  — — .  Regtk 
John  Smithy  seaman ^ 
Wiliiam  Cranston^  o.  s. 
jindrew  Michael^  seaman^ 
John  Hoffman^  o,  seaman^ 


98 

Charlea  Pohig^  seaman^ 
JVeiaon  Pe(era,     do. 

James  Jofiegj        do,  \ 

John  Hose            do. 
James  Carty,  sail  maker's  mate^ 
Thomas  Butler,  seaman^ 
Wilson  Mays,  carfienter's  maiCf 
James  Brotvn^  seaman, 
Mthelred  Sykes,  landsman, 
Phitifi  Starfiley,  cor/ioral  marines, 
Jesse  Har land,  private, 
Abner  Williams,  do 22. 

WOUNDED. 

John  J.  Yarnall,  1st  lieut.  slightly y 
Buianey  Forrest,  2d     do  do. 

fifm.  J^.  Taylor,  sailing-  master  do. 
Samuel  Hambleton,  fiurser,  severely, 
Thomas  Ccaxton,  midshifiman,  do.  since  dead. 
Augustus  Swartwout,     do.       do. 
Jojias  Stone,  carfienter,  slightly, 
JVm.  C.  Keen,  master  at  arms,  slightly^ 
Francis  Mason,  njr.  master,  severely, 
John  Jfewen,     do.     do.         do. 
Joseph  Lewis,  do.     do.  slightly, 
Ezekiel  Fowler,  do.     do.     do. 
John  E.  Brown,  qr.  gunner,  severely, 
Wm.  Johnson,  boatswain*s  mate,  severely, 
James  Helan,       do.  slightly, 
George  Cortiell,  carfienter's  mate,  slightly, 
2\homas  Hammond,  armourer,         do. 
Wm.  Thomfisdn,  seaman,  severely, 
George  Varnum,         do.         do. 
James  Moses,  do.         do, 

William  Roe,  do.         do. 

Josefih  Denning,  do.  do. 
William  Daring.  do.  do. 
John  Clay,  do.         do. 

Stephen  Fairfield,       do.         do. 
George  Williams ^       do,        do. 


99 


iMttnon  IJme^  do, 

Janits  fVuddington,        do, 
John  Burdeerif  do, 

John  Burnhamy  do. 

^indrevf  MattiBon^  do. 

Jeremiah  ICaaterbrooke,  o.  a. 

do. 
do* 
do, 
do, 
do. 
o.  9. 
0  a. 
a. 
p.  a, 
0.  a. 
a, 
o-  a. 
do. 
do. 
do, 
do. 
do. 


Henry  Schroedery 
■Benoni  Price y 
Thomaa  Robinson, 
Peter  Kinaleyy 
Mithan  Chafimany 
Thomaa  Hilly 
-Barney  Mc  Clair y 
IVilliam  J:)awaony 
IVeaterly  JohnaoUy 
Samuel  Sfiywoody 
Robert  Hilly 
■Francis  Cummingsy 
Thomas  Reedy 
Charles  Vandykcy 
William  SimfisoUy 
Jesse  fVilliamsy 
James  Hardleyy 
James  Birdy 
IVm.  Burnett. 
U'rn,  Ba8:gtiy 
David  Christicy 
Henry  Vanfiooly 
■  Thomas  Triffy 
Elijah  Partiny 
.John  Adams y 
Char  Us  Harringtony 
IVm.  B.  Perkmsy 
J^athanifl  fVade, 
^Tenv/iort  Hazzardy 


do. 

do, 

do, 

do, 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

dom 

do. 

do. 

do, 

do, 

do, 

do, 

do, 
slight  lyy 
aeverclyy 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
slightly  y 


niariney  severelyy 


do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
landsmauy 
do. 
do. 
do, 
do. 
boyy 
do. 


do. 

do. 

do. 

do, 

do. 

do.       • 

do. 

do. 

do. 
severely, 
slightly — 61. 


ill 


Ifftil 


[On  the  morning  of  the  action  the  sick  list  of  the  Law 
mice,  c07itained  thirty-one  unfit  fjr  duti/.'\ 


(I 


('* 


100 

On  board  the  ATiagarc, 
KILLED, 

J^elffr  Morel,  seaman^ 
Jsaac  Hordy^  o.  «.— .2. 

WOUNDED. 


nifi 

] 


John  J.  Edivardi^  lieutenant^ 

John  C.  Cu7nming-8,  midahi/imottf 

Edward  Alariin,  tieaman 

Wm,  DaviSf  o  a. 

Joshua  Trafinilly  mariney 

Ronvel  Halt^  o.  ». 

George  Plattj  a. 

£liaa  Wiley y  o.  «. 

Henry  Davidaony  a, 

John  M.  Si  ri  buck  J  o.  a, 

John  Freeman^  o.  «. 

Jamea  JLun&fordy  «. 

Thomaa  PFilaon,  a, 

Charlea  Davidaotif  a, 

Daniel  Bennety  a. 

John  FiltoHy  boatawain'a  matt, 

Serjeant  Maaon,  mariney 


since  dejxii 


Cor  floral  Scott^ 
Thomaa  Miller^ 
John  Jiumasy 
Geo,  M^Manomyy 
Gto.Scoffiddy 
Samuel  Cochran^ 


do, 
do, 
dox 
do. 
do. 
do. — 25. 


0?i  board  the  Caledonia. 
WOUNDED. 

James  jirtusy    "X 

Isaac  Perkins,  [-slightli/ 3. 

Jamea  Philifis,} 


101 


timatiy 


\ 


since  dcjxU 


m 


r» 


Chi  board  the  Somers. 
WOUNDED. 

Charles   Ordecn^ 
Goi{frey  Bowman.— -2. 

On  board  the  Ariel, 
KILLED. 

John  White  J  boatsv)ain*9  imue—l. 

WOUNDED. 

William  Sloas^  o.  a.  slightly^ 
Robert  Wilson^  a.         do. 
.hjhn  Lucaay  landamen,  do.—'S 

On  board  the  Trippe, 
WOUNDED. 

Isaac  Green,  acldier,  26th  regt,  badly y 
John  Mlea,         do.     1 7/A,         slightly.— 

On  board  the   Porcupine,   none  killed  or 
wounded. 

On  board  the  Scofpion, 
KILLED. 

John  Clark,  midsMfiman, 

John  Sylhamamer,  landaman,'-~2. 

On    board    the    Tigress,    none    killed    or 
wounded. 

JRecapitulation, 

{Two  days  p.revroua  to  the  action,  Jifty-aeven  men 
unHtfor  service  in  the  amall  vessels.) 

12 


r' 


I 


ill 


102 


J^awrencef 
'^''iuifurat 
CahdoniOf 
Sontertf 

Trififie, 
Scor/iiorif 


XiUedt 
8 


2 


tyounded, 

Toti 

61 

88 

U 

27 

3 

3 

S 

3 

3 

4 

a 

3 

8 

27 


80 


l^S 


Totai, 
88 
27 

3 

3 

4 

3 

I3J 


MILITARY  ANECDOTES. 


The  celebrated  aboriginal  warrior,  Tecum- 
seh,*  was  in  the  44th  year  of  his  age,  when  he 
fell  at  the  battle  of  the  Thames.  He  was  of 
the  ShawannoB  tribe,  five  feet  ten  inches  high, 
well  formed  for  activity  and  the  endurance  of 
fatigue,  which  he  was  capable  of  sustaining  in 
a  very  extra  rdinary  degree.  His  carriage 
was  erect  and  lofty — his  motions  quick — his 
eyes  penetrating — his  visage  stern,  with  an 
air  of  hauteur  in  his  countenance,  which 
arose  from  an  elevated  pride  of  soul — it  did 
not  leave  him  even  in  death.  His  eloouence 
was  nervous,  concise,  impressive,  figurative 
and  sarcastic,  being  of  a  taciturn  habit  of 
speech,  his  v^ords  were  few,  but  alwaj^s  to  the 
purpose.  His  dress  was  plain — he  was  never 
known  to  indulge  in  the  gawdy  decoration  of 
his  person,  which  is  the  general  practice  of  the 
Indians.  He  wore  on  the  da>  of  his  death  a 
dressed  deerskin  coat  and  pantaloons.  It  is 
said  that  he  couM  read  and  write  correctly ;  of 
this  however,  I  am  doubtful,  as  he  was  the 
irreconcilable  enemy  to  civilization,  of  course 
would  not  be  apt  to  relish  our  arts.     He  was 


*  Pronounced  in  Shawannoe,  Teecumthee.  There  are 
many  words  m  this  language,  which  have  the  lineuadental 
sound  of  tht  such  as  Chilicothe,  Sciothe, 


104 

in  every  respect  a  Savage,  the  greatest  per 
haps,  since  ihe  days  of  Pontiar .     His  ruling 
maxim  m  war,  was,  to  take  no  prisoners,  and 
he  strict!}^  adhered  to  the  sanguinary  purpo- 
poses  of   his  soul— he  neither  gave  nor   ac- 
cepted quarters.     Yet,  paradoxical  as  it  may 
seem,   to  the  prisoners  made  by  other  tribes 
he  was  attentive  and  humane.     Nay,  in  one 
instance,  he  is  said  to  have  buried  his  toma- 
hawk m  the  head  of  a  Chippeway  chief,  whom 
he    found  actively  engaged    in    inassacrein^ 
some  of  Dudley's  m^^.,  after  they  had  been 
made  prisoners  by  the  British  and  Indians- 
It  had  long  been  a  favourite  project  of  this  as- 
piring chief,  tc  unite  the  northern,  western  and 
southern  Indians,  fur  the  purpose  of  regaining 
their  country,  as  far  as  the  Ohio.     Whether 
this  grand  idea  originated  in  his  own,   or  his 
brother's  mind,  or  was  suggested  by  the  Bri- 
tish, is  not  known— but  this  much  is  certain, 
he  cherished  the  plan  with  enthusiasm,  and 
actually  visited  the  Creek  Indians,  to  prevail 
on  them  to  join  in  the  undertaking.     He  was 
always  opposed  to  the  sale  of  the  Indian  lands. 
—In  a  council  at  Vincennes,  in  1810,  he  was 
found  equal  to  the  insidious  arts  of  a  diplo- 
matist.    In  one  of  his  speeches  he  pronounced 
general  Harrison  a  liar.     He  has  been  in  al- 
most every  battle  with  the  Americans  from 
the  time  of  Harmer's  defeat  to  that  of  the 
Thames.     He  has  been  several  times  woupH. 
^A^anddways  sought  the  hottest  of  the  fire. 
^^  few  minutes  before  he  received  the  fatal 


atest  per 
Us  ruling 
ners,  and 
y  purpo- 

nor   ac- 
is  it  may 
er  tribes, 
S  in  one 
bis  toma- 
f,  whom 
ssacreing 
lad  been 
dians. — 
'  this  as- 
itern  and 
egaining 
iVhether 
,   or  his 
the  Bri- 

certain, 
>m,  and 

prevail 
He  was 
n  lands. 

he  was 
I  diplo- 
ounced 

in  al- 

s  from 

of  the 

voupH- 

he  fire. 
e  fatal 


i05 

fire  of  col.  Johnson,  he  had  received  a  musket 
ball  in  his  left  arm,  yet  his  efforts  to  conquer 
reased  only  with  life.     When  a  youth,  and  be- 
fore the  treaty  of  Greenville,  he  had  so  often 
signalized  himself,   that  he  was  reputed  one 
of  the  boldest  of  the  Indian  warriors.     In  the 
first  settlement  of  Kentucky,  he  was  peculiar- 
ly active  in  seizing  boats  going  down  the  Ohio, 
killing  the  passengers  and  carrying  off  their 
property.     He  made  frequent  incursions  into 
Kentucky,  where  he  would  invariably  mur- 
der some  of  the  settlers  and  escape  with  several 
horses  laden  with  plunder.     He  always  eluded 
pursuit,  and  when  too  closely  pressed  would 
retire  to    the  Wabash.     His  ruling    passion 
I       seems  to  have  l)een  glory — he  was  careless  of 
wealth,  and  although  his  plunderings  and  sub- 
sidies must  have  amounted  to  a  great  sum,  he 
preserved  little  for  himself.     After  his  fall  on 
tlie  5th  of  October  his  person  was  viewed 
with  great  interest  by  the  officers  and  soldiers 
of  Harrison's  army.     It  was  some  time  before 
the  identity  of  his  person  was  sufficiently  re- 
cognized to  remove  all  doubt  as  to  the  cer- 
tainty of  his  death.    There  was  a  kind  of  fero- 
cious pleasure,  if  I  may  be  allowed  the  expres- 
sion,  m    contemplating    the    contour  of   his 
features,  which  was  majestic  even  in  death. 
Some  of  the  JCentuckians  disgraced  themselves 
by  committing  indignities  on  his  dead  body. 
He  was  scalped  and  otherwise  disfigured, 

A  hundred  instances  of  the  darlDg  vrTaur  of 


1 . 


-'Ill 


■Ml»a 


106 

the  Kentiickians  might  be  citerl  r)„  . 
niarch  from  Malrlen  t^  «jo  j  ■  f"'  ""  ""»■ 
in  the  flank  guard  discover-^"'''''!  «,>'°'»«-^ 
distance  of  200  yard,  Trf^  ^"^'?"  '*  "'^ 
his  rifl^  L  ^  '  '"  ''i«  actof  eveilina- 
ra  ks  ?  made  z  zy ,!"  ■'•r"^  '^"  <hf 

pursued  by  the  voCeer  th„  1  "''"  -"'T'^ 

-bSr  ^?ff  't  F"^Kmrtri°d" 

piece  a^^d  fhTs  fu^Jfi^of  t^^'^'f  "-^ 
who  received  the  cortentrinT  f  ^°'""*^«"' 
at  this  time  half  a  m^t  1  u'*  '^^-he  was 
but  did  not  repeat  tin  hlT^'^i'-  '=°"T«des_ 

r^i;rs5^S^?S£ 

eldest  but  16— the  otL  li      Thames;   tlie 
Such  was  the  ardour  *Thest  l^Zt  '^'- 

oZr'istlXur '°'"  ™°™'^^  -'^ 

severii*'rSfb°ans°^*f-''°rT''  '"^"'  "-^^^ived 
acvcrdi  rule  balls  m  his  clothes  and  saHHlp 

Mr :;  tK  ^''"s"  ^'^  S"**^^ "  "£■; 

soMier  of  the  41st  attempted  to  fix  his  bivo 
net— at  one  stroke  of  his  iabre  cantain  Vnf 
•severed  his  head  and    brouRht  C   ^"''°" 


h- 
iK 


107 


On  ©ur 
^  volunteer 
dian  at  the 
f  levelling 
r  left   the 
reived  his 
IS   closely 
gained  on 
le  ground 
3aded  his 
volunteer, 
— he  was 
nrades — 
ched  the 
p,  which 
y.     The 
occurred 


I.  James 
les;  the 
age.— 
partans, 
^^k  their 
ted  and 


eceived 
iddle— 
inks,  a 
bayo- 
Ellison 


ground :  a  second  made  a  show  of  resistance, 
and  shared  the  same  fate.  Shortly  afterwards 
the  captain  led  his  company  against  the  Indians. 
It  was  then  that  hi^  temerity  had  nearly  cost 
him  his  life — an  Indian  seized  the  bridle  of  his 
horse  and  attempted  a  blow  with  his  tomahawk. 
The  sabre  again  prevailed,  and  the  Indian  lost 
his  scalp. 

At  the  assault  of  fort  Stephenson,  a  boy  of 
14  years  of  age,  in  the  heat  of  the  fire,  raised 
his  arm  above  the  pickets,  in  defiance  of  the 
enemy ;  a  cannon  ball  struck  it  and  tore  it  from 
his  body,  and  the  poor  fellow  survived  but  a 
few  moments. 

A  soldier  was  at  the  same  time  severely 
wounded  in  the  block  house.  Unable  to  stand, 
and  weltering  in  blood,  he  desired  a  lieutenant 
to  reach  him  a  gun,  tliat  he  might  fire  on  the 
enem}\ 

The  sick  of  the  garrison  caught  the  spirit 
of  their  comrades,  and  actually  crawled  to  the 
pickets,  where  they  assisted  to  load  the  super- 
numerary pieces  for  the  men  to  fire. 

For  the  glorious  defence  of  the  place,  the 
ladies  of  Chilicothe  presented  major  Croghan 
with  a  sword.  He  thanked  them  in  a  becom- 
ing manner.  He  is  not  less  conspicuous  for 
modesty  than  courage.     He  signalized  him- 


! 


t 


108         . 

self  at  Tippecanoe  and  fort  Mel^vs.     His  nro- 
motion  has  been  rapid,  but  gradual. 

There  are  three  other  officers,  who  equal- 
ly with  major  Croghan,  deserve  praise  for  the 
part  they  took  in  the  defence  of  the  fort.— 
When  the  major  asked  them  if  they  were  wil- 
hng  to  defend  the  fort,  they  unanimously  an- 
swered -  YES  !  we  will  perish  sooner  than  sur- 
render  "     The  names  of  these  brave  men  are 
capt  J.  Hunter,  lieut.  Benj.  Johnson,  (nephew 
to  col.  R.  M.  Johnson)  and  ensign  ^hipp.— 
1  he  zeal  and  industry  of  these  men  cannot  be 
surpassed.     I  regret  that  I  have  not  room  to 
particu'  nze  more   instances  of  their  bravery 
and  good  conduct.  ^ 

At  the, battle  of  Brownstown,  an  officer  ob- 
served  several    Indian  arroAvs    to  strike    the 
ground  near  his  feet,  in  a  perpendicular  direc- 
tion.     1  he  circumstance  excited  his  curiosity, 
and  on  looking  up  to  discover  from  whence 
they  came,  he  perceived  an  Indian  perched  on 
a  tree  thirty  feet  from  the  ground,  and  but  a 
tew  paces  m  advanc     -our  men  instantly  level- 
led  their  pieces,  and  the  fellow  came  tumbiine 
down  like  a  dead  bear.   He  had  provided  him- 
self with  a  fawn  skin  stuffed  with  arrows,  many 
ot  which  he  had  dexterously  discharged  at  our 
troops.  ° 

There  were  several  Indians  in  the  battle  of 
the   1  hames,  who  used  bows  and  arrows-— in 


109 

one  instance,  one  of  our  men  was  mortally 
wounded  by  an  arrow. 

At  the  skirmish  near  the  mouth  of  the 
Thames,  an  Indian  squaw  was  niortally  wound- 
ed ;  she  was  left  to  shift  for  herself—her  little 
girl,  six  years  old,  remained  with  her.  On  the 
return  of  the  army  from  the  Moravian  town, 
they  were  found  in  the  woods,  at  the  distance 
of  half  a  mile  from  where  she  was  wounded ; 
to  appearance  she  had  been  dead  three  days— 
the  girl  was  still  living.  When  our  men  ap- 
proached the  spot,  she  instantly  raised  her  hands 
and  distinctly  articulated  '' dmt  r  She  was 
taken  to  Detroit,  where  her  fate  and  sprightli- 
ness  excited  universal  interest.  An  officer  of 
governor  Shelby's  corps  took  her  to  Kentucky 
with  the  humane  and  honourable  intention  of 
adopting  her  in  his  family,  and  of  giving  her  an 
education. 

In  the  autumn  of  1812,  general  Harrison 
^tt  the  army  for  a  few  weeks,  and  repaired  to 
Chihcothe,  on  business.  The  citizens  invited 
him  to  a  public  dinner ;  he  declined  the  invi- 
tation, observing,  very  justly,  that  it  did  not 
become  him  to  be  banqueting  at  sumptuous 
entertainments,  while  his  men  were  exposed  to 
the  rigours  of  the  season,  enduring  the  fatigues 
of  military  duty,  and  subsisting  on  the  coarsest 
lood. 

in  tile  first  campaign,  gen.  Harrison  wore  a 


1 

If 


.110 


hunting  shirt ;   conversed  freely  with  the  pri- 
vates, and  appeared  entirely  free  from   mili- 
tary hauteur.     In  t^  e  second,  he  was  quite  an 
altered  personage.     He  became  more  distant 
and  reserved.     He  even  went  so  far  in  one  of 
his   harrangues,   as  to  order  the  officers    to 
**  observe    a  greater   distance   towards    their 
men,"  and  added  that  he  should  **  hold  them 
responsible  for  the  consequences."    He  had, 
however,  an  ingenious  salvo  at  hand,  for,  in  the 
same  speech,  he  admitted  that  there  were  in 
the  ranks,  men  better  qualified  to  command, 
than  their  officers — "  men,"  said  he,   "  with 
whose ;  conversation   I  am  charmed,   and  for 
whose  talents  and  character  I  have  the  highest 
respect." 

Harrison  is  apparently  aboiit  45  years  of 
age ;  five  feet  eleven  inches  high,  slender  made 
— of  a  sanguine,  impatient  countenance — his 
eyes  are  black,  ardent,  and  penetrating — his 
hair  black.  He  has  the  peculiar  faculty  of 
seeing  every  thing  within  the  compass  of  his 
.  view,  without  appearing  to  notice  any  thing  but 
the  immediate  object  of  his  attention.  He  pos- 
sesses a  singular  volubility  of  speech — his  elo- 
quence is  nervous  and  persuasive.  No  general 
ever  possessed  a  happier  voice  for  command. 
He  is  not  without  enem*ies,  yet  few  men  possess 
the  art  of  popularity  in  an  equal  degree.  If  he 
knew  the  art  of  health  as  well,  he  might  be  pro- 
nounced a  great  general.  His  personal  courage 
is  unouestionable* 


th  the  pri- 
fi'jm  mili- 
as  quite  an 
lore  distant 
ar  in  one  of 
officers  to 
^ards  their 
'  hold  them 
He  had, 
,  for,  in  the 
sre  were  in 
command, 
be,  "  with 
i,  and  for 
:he  highest 


►  years  of 
nder  made 
lance — his 
ating — his 
facuhy  of 
)ass  of  his 
Y  thing  but 
He  pos- 
I — his  elo- 
!^o  general 
command, 
en  possess 
ee.  If  he 
^ht  be  pro- 
al  courage 


111 

Gens.  Cass  and  M' Arthur  were  very  popu- 
lar in  the  army ;  they  were  at  once  beloved  and 
respected.  I  have  seen  M* Arthur  with  his  own 
hands,  lift  a  flpur  barrel  from  a  bagi^age  wag- 
gon,- (in  order  to  expedite  the  issue  of  rations) 

— secure  a  boat  that  was  about  to  get  adrift 

carry  rails  and  poles  to  repair  bridges.  The 
effect  was  excellent :  the  men  cheered  with  the 
sound  of  "  COME  BOYS,*'  moved  to  their  duty 
with  alacrity.  The  imperative  *'  go,"  destroys 
their  -  zeal  and  causes  them  to  move  like  oxen, 
long  inured  to  toil. 

At  the  second  siege  of  fort  Meigs,  the  In- 
dians  attempted  to  play  off  a  ruse  de  guerre 
upon  the  garrison.  They  commenced  a  sham 
fight  m  the  woods,  about  half  a  mile  from  the 
fort,  m  the  direction  of  Lower  Sandusky.  The 
fire  was  kept  up  with  great  warmth  for  some 
time,  with  a  view  to  induce  the  Americans  to 
believe  that  a  reinforcement  from  Sandusky  was 
endeavouring  to  relieve  them.  The  men  in  the 
garrison,  were  anxious  to  sally  out,  to  assist  their 
supposed  friends,  but  gen.  Clay,  was  not  to  be 
deceived  by  stratagem. 

The  horrible  ceremonial  of  burning  prisoners 
was  twice  celebrated  by  the  Indians,  soon  after 
the  attack  on  fort  Stephenson. 

Soon  after  the  friendly  Indians  joined  Har. 
nson  in  August,  1813,  they  performed  the 
war  dance,   to  the  no  small  diversion  of  th.^ 


If 


■^  \ 


* 


aFmy.     As  Carver  describes  this  custom  vety 
justly,  I  win  adopt  his  description. 

"  It   is  performed  amidst  a  circle  of  the 
warriors;   a   chief    generally   begins   it,    who 
moves  from  the  right  to  the  left,  singing  at  the 
same  time  both  his  own  exploits,  and  those  ol 
his  ancestors:    When  he  has  concluded  his  ac- 
eount  of  any  memorable  action,   he  gives  a 
violent  blow  with  his  war  club,  against  a  post 
that  is  fixed  in  the  ground,  near  the  centre  of 
the    assembly  for    this  purpose.     Every  one 
dances  in  his  turn,  and  recapitulates  the  won- 
drous 4eeds  of  his  family,  till  they  all  at  last 
join  in  the  dance.     Then  it   becomes  truly 
alarming  to  any  stranger  that  happens  to  be 
among  them,   as  they  throw  themselves  into 
every  horrible  and  terrifying  posture  that  can 
be  imagined,  rehearsing  at  the  same  time  the 
parts  they  expect  to  act  against  their  enemies  in 
the  field.     During  this  they  hold  their  sharp 
knives  in  their  hands,  with  which,  as  they  whirl 
about,  they  are  every  moment  in  danger  of  cut- 
ting each  other's  throats ;  and  did  they  not  shun 
the  threatened  mischief,  with  inconceivable  dex- 
terity, it  could  not  be  avoided.     By  these  mo- 
tions they  intend  to  represent  the  manner  in 
which  they  kill,  scalp,  and  take  their  prisoners. 
To  heighten  the  scene,  they  set  up  the  same 
hideous  yells,  cries,  and  war-whoops  they  use 
in  time  of  action  :    so  that  it  is  impossible  to 
consider  them  in  any  other  light,  than  as  an  as- 
sembly of  demons. '  * 


istom  \€ty 


cle  of  the 
s  it,   who 
ging  at  the 
id  those  oi' 
led  his  ac- 
e  gives  a 
inst  a  post 
e  centre  of 
Every  one 
the  won- 
all  at  last 
mes  truly 
ens  to  be 
lelves  into 
e  that  can 
5  time  the 
enemies  in 
bieir  sharp 
they  whirl 
^erof  cut- 
Y  not  shun 
liable  dex- 
these  mo- 
nanner  in 
prisoners, 
the  same 
s  they  use 
ossible  to 
I  as  an  as- 


ABUSES  IN  THE  ARMY. 

If  it  be  a  fact,  that  in  the  armies  of  the  U, 
States,  DISEASE  kills  three  to  where  the  enemy 
does  one;  the  evil  claims  the  prompt  and  serious 
attention  of  government,  and  ought  to  be  re- 
medied.    It  is  a  melancholy  fact! 

I  will  premise,  in  the  first  place,  that  our 
northern  frontier,  from  the  French  Mills  to 
Detroit,  is,  at  certain  points,  and  especially  at 
every  military  station,  extremely  unhealthy. 
The  diseases  incident  to  the  climate^  are  agues 
and  fevers  of  different  kinds.  The  British  side 
of  the  lakes  is  as  bad,  or  worse. 

I  will  briefly  state  what  I  have  seen,  and 
with  no  other  view  than  to  aid  in  the  correction 
of  the  evil. 

I  last  summer  visited  the  northern  frontier, 
volunteered  in  the  service,  as  a  private,  to  as- 
certain by  experience  and  ocular  scrutiny  the 
police  of  our  camps  and  the  condition  of  the 
sick. 

The  science  of  health  was  no  part  of  the 
general's  study;  other  cares  engrossed  his 
thoughts.     Hygeia  and  Mars  were  not  in  hab- 


114 

Us  of  intercourse.  The  stench  of  the  camp 
was  insupportable ;  men  sickened  and  died  in 
their  tents.  The  little  medical  aid  they  re- 
ceived was  administered  in  most  cases  by 
downright  quacks.  At  Detroit,  several  hous- 
es were  occupied  for  the  benefit  of  the  sick ; 
they  were  dignified  with  the  name  of  hospitals  ! 
The  smell  of  the  room  was  enough  to  make  a 
well  man  sick  in  five  minutes.  It  was  as  much 
as  one's  life  was  worth  to  enter  them ;  vet  the 
sick  were  sent  there  to  recover  their  health  ! 
Poor  fellows  1 

In  an  army,  death  soon  loses  its  terrors. — 
The  loss  of  a  soldier  excites  very  little  interest. 
The  surgeons  and  doctors  are  not  very  solici- 
tons  to  evince  their  professional  skill,  even  if 
they  chance  to  possess  it. 

The  officers  fared  very  little  better.  Even 
col.  Johnson  suffered  beyond  measure,  in  his 
passage  from  the  Moravian  town  to  Sandusky. 
One  of  governor  Shelby's  volunteers  was  shot 
through  the  neck:  ten  days  afterwards  his 
Mound  had  not  been  dressed;  his  situation 
was  distressing.  We  kft  him  at  Portage; 
whether  he  lived  or  died  I  know  not.  He  was 
a  promising  young  man  and  bore  his  pains  with 
the  greatest  fortitude. 

The  disease  rnost  fatal  in  the  army,  is  the 
flux,  or  camp  distemper ,  malignant  and  incu- 
rable in  most  cases,  when  opposed  by  impiri- 


nia,  a 


the  camp 
nd  died  in 
I  they  re- 
cases  by 
tral  hous- 
the  sick  ; 
hospitals  ! 
to  make  a 
s  as  much 
I ;  vet  the 
r  health! 


terrors. — 
e  interest. 
?ry  solici- 
1,  even  if 


r.  Even 
re,  in  his 
landusky. 

was  shot 
i^ards  his 

situation 
Portage ; 

He  was 
lains  with 


ly,  is  the 
nd  incu- 
y  impiri- 


115 

cal  ignorance  but  which  every  old  woman  iir 
the  country  would  cure  in  three  days,  with  a 
decoction  of  milk,  pine  bark  and  spikenard 
root. 

I  went  frequently  to  the  burying  grounds 
to  count  the  fresh  ^aves  and  mark  the  pro- 
gress  of  dei;th.  My  heart  sickened  at  the  sight. 
By  inspecting;  those  of  Detroit,  Fort  Mei^s, 
Portage,  bandusky,  Erie,  Buffalo  and  Eleven 
Mile  Creek,  and  by  ascertaining  the  loss  sus- 
tained by  different  corps,  I  was  enabled  to 
forni  a  pretty  correct  estimate  of  the  number 
of  deaths  by  sickness.  The  aggregate  was 
alarming. 

Capt.  M*CIelland's  company  of  152  month's 
volunteers,  from  Fayette  county,  Pennsylva- 
nia, a  very  patriotic  corps,  and  the  one  to  which 
1  was  attached,  left  Pittsburgh  on  the  5th 
of  October,  1812,  forty.five  strong.  They 
were  for  the  most  part  men  of  talents  and  pro- 
perty.  They  were  discharged  at  Detroit  last 
October  and  had  \o^X  fifteen  of  th^ir  number- 
twelve,  by  sickness— and  three,  killed  in  bat- 
tle ;  and  it  was  doubtful  whether  several  others 
then  sick,  would  ever  reach  home.  ' 

Almost  every  other  corps  in  the  army,  that 
had  been  as  long  in  service,  suffered  in  the 
same  ratio.  The  Chilicothe  Guards,  the 
Pittsburgh  Blues,  Payn's,  Markle's  and  Gar- 
rard's cavalry,  Hopkins'  United  States  dra- 


% 


goons,  Puthuft''s  and  Kisling's  infantry,  th<^ 
Petersburgh  volunteers,  all  of  BiUPs  legion, 
and  whose  respective  losses  I  had  the  means 
of  correctly  ascertaining,  lost  nearly  every 
third  man.  The  Petersburgh  volunteers,  as 
fine  a  company  as  ever  trod  tlie  earth — men 
in  the  prime  and  vigor  of  life,  the  flower  of 
Petersburgh,  left  home  101  strong.  At  the 
time  of  their  discharge,  which  was  in  October, 
1813,  they  had  lost  27  of  their  number,  22  of 
whom  perished  by  disease ;  several  more  re- 
mained seriously  indispoied.  I  question  whe- 
ther more  than  70  of  these  brave  fellows  will 
ever  see  Petersburgh  again.  Such  was  their 
patriotib  order,  that  they  left  business  which 
was  lucrative — their  homes  the  seat  of  elegance 
and  ease — their  friends,  parents,  wives,  and 
children — marched  more  than  one  thousand 
miles  to  encounter  the  inclemencv  of  the  sea 
sons — the  toils  and  dangers  of  war — the  hor- 
rors of  disease,  to  serve  their  country^  which 
they  most  faithfully  performed.  I  will  not 
attempt  to  describe  my  feelings,  when  I  saw 
such  men  borne  by  their  comrades  to  a  rude 
and  solitary  grave. 

From  what  I  have  heard  and  seen,  I  am  in- 
duced to  believe  that  the  loss  by  disease,  sus- 
tained by  the  northern  army,  is  in  the  same 
proportion.  It  will  follow  then,  as  a  necessa- 
ry consequence,  that  the  recruiting  service 
must  be  briskly  pushed  to  fill  the  vacancies  in 
the  ranks  occasionc  ci  Ly  sickness,  to  say  no- 


ifantrj%  th<> 
Jl's  legion, 
the  mtans 
arly  every 
Liiiteers,  as 
:arth — men 
i  flower  of 
r.  At  the 
n  October, 
[iber,  22  of 
I  more  re- 
;stiou  whc- 
fellows  will 
I  was  their 
less  which 
of  elegance 
ivives,  and 
;  thousand 
Df  the  sea 
— the  hor- 
itrt/,  which 
[  will  not 
hen  I  saw 
to  a  rude 


1,  I  am  in- 
'seasi'f  sus- 
i  the  same 
a  necessa- 
ig  service 
acancies  in 
to  say  no- 


117 

thing  of  losses  by  the  sword,  to  which  all  ar* - 
mies  are  subject. 

The  enemy  have  been  enually  unfortunate 
in  preserving  the  health  of  their  troops,  as  the 
graves  of  Maiden  and  Burlington  will  attest. 
We  have  the  official  avowal  of  sir  George  Pre- 
vost,  that  disease  had  made  an  alarming  pro- 
gress  in  the  English  army  in  Canada.  In  his 
letter  to  sir  J.  L.  Yeo,  of  September  19,  1813, 
he  says :  "  To  the  local  disadvantages  of  the 
positions  occupied  by  our  army,  have  unhap- 
pily been  added  disease  and  desertion,  to  a  de- 
gree calling  for  immediate  remedy."  The  Bri- 
tish central  army  lost  nearly  500  men  bt/  sick- 
nessy  in  the  months  of  August,  September  and 
October  of  last  year. 

I  have  already  said  that  there  were  local 
situations  on  both  sides  the  lakes  extremely  un- 
healthy. Yet  I  will  contend  that  there  exists  no 
physical  necessity  for  the  mortality  experienced 
by  the  troops  of  both  nations — that  the  cause  is 
less  in  nature,  than  in  management,  as  I  will 
prove  by  reference  to  a  few  facts. 

Tie  f^f'gucs  of  surveying  are  as  great  as 
thosv  oi  lilitan'  service,  except  on  particu- 
lar occasions.  In  1798,  the  Holland  Compa- 
ny surveyed  their  purchase,  (laying  on  a  part 
of  lake  Ontario,  Niagara  river,  and  a  part  of 
lake  Erie)  into  townships.  Joseph  Ellicott, 
then  of  Philadelphia,  was  engaged  to  superin- 


1 1 


I 


118 

tend  the  survey.    About  three  hundred  were 
employed  in  the  work,  from  May  till  Decem- 
ber ;  six  or  eight  of  the  hands  employed  in 
the  traverse  of  Chataqua  lake,  and  Cataragus 
river,  took  the  ague  and  fever ;  but  not  one 
of  the  whole  three  hundred  died — they  enjoy- 
ed die  best  possible  state  of  health.     Their 
living  was  bread,  pork  and  chocolate.     In  the 
summers  of  1799  and  1800,  about  die  same 
number  of  men  were  employed  in  surveying 
the  townships  into  lots,  and  they  enjoyed  the 
same  degree  of  health.     In  the  surveying  of 
the  lands  of  New-Connecticut  and  the  western 
parts  of  Pennsylvania  where  I  was  personally 
employed,  no  instance  of  death,  by  sickness, 
occurred.     Of  the  23  persons,  who  accompa- 
nied capts.  Lewis  and  Clark,  from  St.  Louis  to 
the  Pacific  Ocean,  only  one  died.     They  were 
more  than  two  yeurs  absent — their  sufferings 
are  well  known. 

Col.  Johnson's  corps  of  mounted  men,  at  all 
times  1000  strong,  traversed  the  Indiana  and 
Michigan  territories,  in  quest  of  the  enemy ; 
passed  into  Canada,  to  the  Moravian  town,  and 
returned  to  Detroit.  They  had  been  six 
months  in  service  and  lost  only  three  men  by 
sickness.  They  were  always  on  the  alert,  and 
rarely  breathed  the  pestiferous  air  of  the 
camp.  The  French  army  of  Egypt,  of  40,000 
men,  always  on  the  move,  in  a  warm  and 
unwholesome  climate,  did  not  suffer  as  much 
by  sickness,  in  two  years,  as  we  have  lost  at 


dred  were 
11  Decem- 
iployed  in 
Cataragus 
;t  not  one 
liey  enjoy- 
h.  Their 
^     In  the 

the  same 
surveying 
joyed  the 
veying  of 
le  western 
personally 

sickness, 
accompa- 

Louis  to 
^'hey  were 
sufferings 


len,  at  all 
liana  and 

enemy; 
own,  and 
3een    six 

men  by 
alert,  and 
of  the 
3f  40,000 
arm  and 
as  much 
ve  lost  at 


119 

sonie  particular  posts  in  one.     These  facts  are 
ot  immense  importance  to  the  American  nation 
and  are  susceptible  of  the  most  ample  proof.    ' 

The  officers  of  the  American  army  are  ^en- 
erally  possessed  of  humanity,  and  indulgent  to 
their  men ;  there  is  here  p  id  there  an  epaulettcd 
coxcomb,  as  destitute  U  feeling,  as  the  ice  of 
Spitzbergen  IS  of  heat,  but  even  these,  are  not 
able  to  kill  men,  by  mere  dint  of  cruelti^  if  a 
proper  camp  discipline  was  adopted  and  enfor- 
ced.      1  he  rations  of  our  army  are  good. 

Having  briefly  pointed  out  the  evil,  I  leave 

he  discovery  and  application  of  the  remedy^ 

to  the  proper  authorities—to  congress  and  the 

war  department.  ^        'iiiu  mc 


the  United  Ltes.  wkh  alla^  fqual  to  rhaf  ^^^^ 

D  ace^    wth      •;  M  "^  '°,  ^H^stitute  proper  persons  in  their 


!'P 


!:i 


V 


OF 


A  MILITARY  SETTLEMENT. 

It  is  well  knovvH;  that  since  the  commence- 
ment of  the  present  war  with  the  Indians,  seve- 
ral expensive  and  formidable  expeditions,  have 
been  sent  against  those  tribes  livine  on  the 
waters  of  the  Wabash,  Illinois,  Missisippi  and 
Lake  Michigan,  without  producing  any  other 
effect,  than  their  temporary  dispersion, 'or  the 
burning  of  a  few  towns.  Gens.  Harrison  and 
Kussell,  gov.  Edwiu-ds,  cols.  Campbell,  John- 
son, and  others,  have  all  performed  long  and 
tedious  marches  into  the  Indian  country  for  the 
purpose  of  harrassing  the  enemy  :  but  their  sue- 
cess  has  not  been  commensurate  to  the  expense. 
The  Indians  are  still  unsubdued  and  ready  and 
able  to  commit  fresh  depredations. 

The  causes  which  have  rendered  these  expe- 
ditions abortive  are  obvious.  The  savages 
having  little  or  no  baggage  to  retard  their 
movements,  cannot  be  overtaken  by  their 
pursuers;  they  can  disperse  and  collect  at 
pleasure,  while  our  troops  are  obliged  to  keep 
together,  and  to  move  slowly,  and  with  the  ut- 
most circumspection,  to  avoid  ambush  and 
surprize.  It  most  generally  happens,  that  be- 
tore  our  troops  can  find  an  enemy,  their  pro^ 
visions  become  exhausted  and  they  are  com. 


^i 


122 


pelled  lo  return  home  without  having  accom. 
plished  any  thing  but  fatiguing  marches. — 
They  are  then  disbanded  and  the  frontiers  left 
open  to  savage  incursion. 

There  is  a  bill  before  congress,  which  has 
for  its  object,  the  better  security  of  the  fron- 
tiers of  the  state  of  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Illi- 
nois territories.  It  proposes  to  appropriate  a 
strip  of  the  public  lands,  thirty  miles  wide,  and 
more  than  four  hundred  long,  beginnmg  near 
the  mouth  of  the  Sandusky  on  lake  Erie,  and 
running  a  little  south  of  a  westerly  course,  till 
it  intersects  the  Missisippi  near  the  mouth  of 
the  -Missouri.  The  bill  proposes,  in  sub- 
stance, to  grant  this  extensive  tract  of  public 
land  to  actual  settlers,  in  donations  of  half  a 
section  (320  acres)  to  every  individual  who 
shall  reside  on  the  same,  and  equip  himself 
with  arms  and  accoutrements,  and  hold  him- 
self liable  to  perform  militia  duty  during  the 
war. 

To  Si  y  nothing  of  the  folly  of  giving  away 
nearly  20,000,000  of  acres  of  public  lands^ 
there  are  several  other  weighty  objections  to 
the  bill: 

1.  Adventurers  will  flock  to  those  lands, 
who  will  locate  the  best  tracks,  but  will  be 
found  cunning  enough  to  evade  the  most  es- 
sential provisions  of  the  law,  by  feigning  ex- 


ing  accom- 
marches. — 
rontiers  left 


which  has 
)f  the  fron- 
la  and  Illi- 
ipropriate  a 
i  wide,  and 
inning  near 

Erie,  and 
course,  till 

mouth  of 
1,  in  sub- 
t  of  public 
J  of  half  a 
idual  who 
lip  himself 
hold  him- 
during  the 


ivmg  away 
blic  lands^ 
jections  to 


ose  lands, 
Lit  will  be 
e  most  es- 
gning  ex- 


123 

cuses  of  absence,  whenever  there  is  fiffhtincr  to 
be  done.  °      ^ 

2.  The  settlements  will  necessarily  be  weak 
and  msulated  and  exposed  to  be  cut  off  in  de. 
tail. 

3.  If  the  inhabitants  unite  in  an  expedition 
against  the  Indians,  it  will  prove  fruitless,  for 
have^fSed''^*^"^  ^at  those  already  projected 

,  .^-  Considerable  time  must  elapse  before  any 
thing  ike  concert  and  organization  can  exLst  in 
the  colony^ 

5.  A  mUitia  system  cannot  be  dei^ended 
upon,  as  is  proved  by  the  events  on  the  Niaffa- 
ra  frontier.  ^ 


6.  The  line  of  defence 


cated. 


IS   improperly  lo- 


The  Indians  from  whom  we  are  to  evpect 
the  greatest  annoyance  in  future,  are  those  in- 
habiting  the  waters  of  lakes  Michigan  and  Hu- 
ron, rhey  are  under  the  influence  of  Dixon 
and  are  capable  of  much  mischief  to  our  frou' 
tier  settlements. 

I  will  briefljj  give  the  outlines  of  a  plan  for 
a  iVliLiTARY  Settlement,  wh^rli  J;,.k^  ;r 
properly  encouraged  and  supported,  oppose  a;: 


Jl 


124 

effectual  barrier  to  Indian  hostility,  east  of  the 
MissisippL' 

The  country  bordering  on  the  southern  wa- 
ters of  lake  Michigan  presents  peculiar  ad- 
vantages for  a    military  settlement.     Nature 
has  dispensed  her  bounties  with  a  liberal  hand. 
The  climate  is  mild — the  soil  fertile — the  ve- 
getation uncommonly  luxuriant.     The  forests 
are  filled  with  game, .  the  waters  are  covered 
with  fowl.     Perhaps  there  is  no  section  of  the 
U.  States,  more  favourable  for  a  new  settlement, 
even  if  it  were  to  be  purely  agricultural. — 
Here  then,  let  congress  fix  on  the  scite  for  a  fort, 
and  the  boundaries  of  a  colony.     The  banks 
of  the  river  St.  Joseph,  arq  probably  the  most 
eligible.     The  next  step  will  be  to  people  it 
with  fifteen  hundred  brave  men — 500  to  act  as 
infantry,  and  1000  to  be  mounted,  give  them 
two  or  three  ships  of  war,  enough  to  eat  and 
wear,  and  a  commander  of  established  reputa- 
tion ;  for  instance,  a  Johnson,  a  Ball,  or  a  Cro- 
ghan,   and  we  should  heat  no  more  of  Indian 
murders  on  the  frontiers. 

To  make  it  an  object  for  nien  of  enterprize 
to  embark  in  the  measure,  allow  every  pri- 
vate a  bounty  of  8100  in  cash,  and  a  half  sec- 
tion in  land ;  when  on  active  duty,  pay  them 
twelve  dollars  a  month ;  let  the  mounted  njien 
be  furnished  with  horses  at  the  public  ex- 
pense ;  to  mechanics  give  the  tools  of  their 
i=cspectivc  arts;  to  the  cultivators  of  the  soil 


east  of  the 


iiithern  wa- 
iculiar  ad- 
t.  Nature 
beral  hand. 
le — the  ve- 
rhe  forests 
re  covered 
tion  of  the 
settlement, 
cultural. — 
e  for  a  fort, 
fhe  banks 
r  the  most 
►  people  it 
K)  to  act  as 
give  them 
:o  eat  and 
ed  reputa- 
,  or  a  Cro- 
of  Indian 


enterprize 
every  pri- 
a  half  sec- 
pay  them 
mted  njien 
ublic  ex- 
s  of  their 
►f  the  soil 


125 

give  oxen,  cows,  sheep,  hogs  and  the  imple- 
ments of  husbandry;   for  it  is  to  be  under- 
stood, that  at  least  one  third  of  the  settlers 
are  to  be  men  of  families.     The  horses  and 
cattle  could  be  sent  on  from  Ohio,  by  the  way 
of  Fort  Wayne.     The  first  vear's  provisions 
could  be  conveyed  by  water  from  Erie,  Cleve- 
land or  Buffalo.     A  grist  and  saw-mill  would 
be  mdispensible  appendages  to  the  establish- 
ment.    A  minister  of  the  gospel  and  two  or 
three  good   Physicians  would   be  necessary. 
Lawyers  could  be  dispensed   with.     When- 
ever such  a  force  and  such  an  institution  is 
displayed    on    the    southern    shores    of  lake 
Michigan,  we  will  have  Uttle  to  fear  from  the 
savages. 

But  why  locate  this  settlement  on  the  south- 
tm  shore  of  lake  Michigan,  in  preference  to 
Tippecannoe  or  the  bs  ks  of  the  Illinois  ?  Be- 
cause,  there  are  many  ;>  iverful  reasons  to  induce 
UiQ  preference. 

1.  The  Patawatamies  and  Wlnnebagoes,  In- 
dians of  very  bad  faith,  live  on  the  eastern 
and  western  waters  of  this  lake,  and  to  terrify 
and  overawe  them  it  is  necessary  to  be  in  their 
neighbourhood. 

2.  The  shores  of  the  lake,  are  admirably 
calculated  for  cavalry  movements,  and  there  are 
immense  praries  in  the  direction  of  fort  Wayne 

fioDecannoe     nnri    tli*»     Tllini^;^      ,,^^«    ..,u:_i! 

1*2 


% 


' 


126 

the  mounted  men  could  act  to  great  advan- 
tage and  make  rapid  movements ;  so  that  on 
whatever  point  the  enemy  should  menace  an 
attack,  the  advantages  of  locality  would  be 
altogether  in  favour  of  this  positior. 

3.  Forage,  stores  and  supplies  of  every 
kmd  could  be  sent  safely  by  water  from  the 
numerous  settlements  on  lakes  St.  Clair  and 
Erie.       * 

* 

4.  The  flotilla  could  co-operate  with  ef- 
fect. 

5.  There  exists  strong  political  reasons  for 
preferring  the  southern  waters  of  Lake  Michi- 
gan to  any  other  place.  Lake  Superior  may 
become  the  theatre  of  naval  operations.  The 
north-west  company  will  make  desperate  efforts 
to  retain  the  monopoly  of  the  fur  trade. 

6.  The  Indians  will  not  remain  between 
two  fires,  or,  in  other  words,  they  would  not 
continue  (in  a  state  of  hostility)  on  the  waters 
of  the  Miami  of  the  Lakes,  Wabash  and  Illi- 
nois, while  expeditions  from  Ohio  and  Indianna, 
eould  CO  oi)erate  with  the  troops  of  the  military 
settlement. 

7.  Horses  could  not  be  conveniently  win- 
fered  without  hay,  which  could  only  be  procti- 
red  by  water  from  Detroit, 


•eat  advati- 
so  that  on 
menace  an 
if  would  be 


VIEW 


I 


Of  THE 


i  of  every 

r  from  the 

Clair  and 


e  with  ef- 


reasons  for 
ake  Michi- 
perior  may 
ons.  The 
Tate  efforts 
ide. 

1  between 
would  not 
the  waters 
ih  and  lUi- 
i  Indianna, 
he  military 


ently  win- 
be  procli- 


LAKE  COAST  FROM  SANDUSKY  TO  DETROIT.* 

The  distance,  by  land^  from  the  mouth  of 
Sandusky  bay  to  the  town  of  Detroit,  is  115 
miles;  in  a  direct  course  by  water,  it  is  not 
more  than  74  miles.  Boats  frequently  pass 
to  and  from  Maiden  and  Detroit  by  way  of 
the  islands,  which  extend  nearly  in  a  direct 
line  from  the  point  of  the  peninsula  formed  by 
Sandusky  bay  and  Portage  river,  to  Maiden. 
The  proximity  of  tlie  islands  to  each  other 
renders  the  navigation  safe;  it  sometimes 
happens,  however,  owing  to  the  temerity  or 
ignorance  of  the  pilots,  that  boats  are  lost.— ^ 
the  number  of  Islands  is  about  twenty ;  the 
principal  of  which  are  Cunningham's,  Put-in- 
Bay,  Isle  aux  Fleurs  and  Pointe  au  Plait  is- 
land.    Each  of  these  contain  several  thousand 


*  In  the  prospectus  of  this  work,  it  was  proposed  to 
give  a  view  of  the  lake  coast  from  Sandusky  to  Michili- 
mackinac,  but  the  writer  not  much  versed  in  book-mak- 
mg,  fund,  when  he  began  to  ai  range  his  notes,  that  a 
particular  description  of  such  an  immense  extent  of  coun- 
try could  not  be  comprized  within  the  narrow  limits  pre- 
scnbed  to  the  publication.  In  this  dilemma,  he  has  pre- 
terred  givmg  a  minute  account  of  a  fiart  to  a  brief  view 
ot  the  wliole,  which  decision  he  thinks  the  reader  will 
approve.  * 


i 


i 


128 

acres  of  excellent  land,  covered  with  lofty  tim- 
ber,  such  as  white  oak,  blaqk  walnut,  red  cedar, 
basswood  and  honey  locust. 

Put-in-Bay  is  an  object  of  much  interest  in 
a  political  point  of  view.     It  lies  about  one 
mile  south  of  the  Isle  aux   Fleurs,  and  the 
boundary  line  between  Canada  and  the  United 
States  passes'  between  them.     It  is  about  12 
miles  in  circumference  and  affords  the  best 
HARBOUR  between  Buffalo  and  Maiden.     It 
contains  several  hundred  acres  of  the  finest  oak 
timber  to  be  found  on  the  lake  waters ;  about 
300  acres  of  this  invaluable  forest  have  been 
deadened,   by  the  proprietor,  Mr.  Edwards, 
who  m    1812,   employed   about  thirty  hands 
in  clearing  land.     He  built  a  house  on  the 
side  of   the    bay  and    procured   a  stock  of 
hogs  and  300  merino  sheep   which  winter- 
ed on  the  island.     His  wheat,  corn,  potatoes, 
farden  and  meadow  were  very  fine— ^his  first 
:.arvest  gave    him   1200    bushels  of   wheat. 
A  few  weeks  before  the  declaration  of  war  he 
was  compelled,  from  motives  of   safety,  to 
abandon  his  establishment.     The  Indians  de- 
stroyed his  grain  and  burnt  his  house;  the 
hogs  were  not  all  killed;  we  saw  several  in 
the  woods  perfectly  wild  and  in  good  condi- 
tion.    Gen.  Harrison  caused  a  large  log  build- 
ing to  be  erected  on  the  margin  of  the  bay, 
which  served  as  a  public  store.     The  harbour 
IS  on  the  north  side  within  the  strait  formed  by 
Isle  aux  Fleurs,  and  is  deep  enough  at  certain 


lofty  tim- 
red  cedar, 


interest  in 
about  one 
,  and  the 
he  United 
about  12 
the  BEST 
:ilden.     It 
finest  oak 
rs;  about 
lave  been 
Edwards, 
ty  hands 
e  on  the 
stock  of 
1   winter- 
potatoes, 
^his  first 
F   wheat, 
f  war  he 
afety,  to 
lians  de- 
use;  the 
sveral  in 
i  condi- 
>g  build- 
the  bay, 
harbour 
tmed  by 
it  certain 


129 


points,  to  dmit  vessels  of  400  tons  burden  to 
anchor  witLin  twenty  yards  of  the  shore.  The 
south  half  of  the  island  is  covered  with  black 
wahiut,  and  honey  locust.  From  the  pods  of 
the  latter,  which  are  about  twelve  inches  long 
and  one  wide,  is  made  a  liquor  resembling 
metheglin.  The  process  is  simply,  bruising 
and  fermentation ;  one  tree  will  often  yield  15 
or  20  bushels  of  pods.  The  soil  is  a  deep 
black  mould,  resting  on  a  bed  of  limestone 
similar  to  that  Oi  many  parts  of  Kentucky. 
Nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  island  is  a  cave  in- 
to which  several  of  us  descended,  and  at  the 
distance  of  200  feet  from  its  mouth  found  a 
subteranean  pond  of  the  purest  water.  Twelve 
©r  fifteen  feet  from  its  entrance,  one  is  oblig- 
ed to  creep  for  eight  or  ten  feet,  when  you  en- 
ter a  spacious  room  about  170  feet  long,  and 
40  wide ;  its  left  side  rises  like  an  ampithea- 
tre ;  the  angle  of  descent  from  the  entrance  to 
the  pond,  is  about  15  degrees.  It  was  with 
difficulty  that  we  could  preserve  our  lights ;  we 
could  neither  ascertain  the  depth  or  extent  of 
the  water,  for  it  effectually  prevented  our 
further  progress.  We  had  furnished  ourselves 
with  a  pole  25  feet  long,  for  the  purpose  of 
sounding  it.  It  unquestionably  communi- 
cates with  the  circumfluent  lake.  The  place 
appeared  to  have  been  much  frequented  by 
Indians.  No  place  is  better  adapted  to  the 
raising  of  sheep,  as  the  wolves  were  never 
known  to  venture  over  from  the  main,  and  the 


I 


i 


!J'~-S\A      iS\J  • 


*T&ii    J^\ATI-eiiMi3     iiftPJt 


«w 


li 


130 

duced  a  meadow  of  the  most  luxuriant  growth. 
1  he  people  employed  on  Mr.  E.'s  plantation 
enjoyed  good  health.     There  is  one  serious 
evil,  however,  to  counterbalance  so  many  ad- 
vantages.     There  are  great  numbers  of  ratde- 
snakes;   so  plenty  indeed,    that    diey  would 
crawl  into  our  tents,  and  conceal  themselves 
under  our  baggage.     An  officer  of  Shelby's 
corps  found  one  under  his  pillow,  when  he 
awoke  in  the  morning.     The  proprietor  ot  this 
island  died  m  the  autumn  of  1812.  Queru:  Are 
not  pohtical  considerations  sufficiently  weiditv 
to  induce  the  purchase  of  this  island  by  the 
United  States  ?     The  contingencies  of  war- 
events,  now  in  the  womb  of  futurity,  may  ren- 
cler  this  island  of  great  national   importance. 
1  here  is  an  excellent  scite  for  a  navy  yard,  and 
timber  m  sufficient  quantities  within  rifle  shot 
distance  from  the  shore. 

These  islands  in  most  places  present  a 
beautiful  white  beach ;  here  and  there  you 
perceive  rude  clifts  of  limestone  rock  curiouslv 
excavated  by  the  surf.  They  are  not  correctly 
laid  down  m  any  map  that  I  have  seen.  Mel- 
ish's  map  of  the  seat  of  war,  the  best  extant,  is 
incorrect  in  the  position  of  these  islands.  Put- 
in-Bay and  Aux  Fleurs  actually  but  one  mile 
apart,  are  represented  at  the  distance  of  fifteen 
on  the  map.  The  location  of  the  Three  Sisters 
IS  equally  erroneous. 

Deer  are  frequently  seen  swimming  from 


ant  growth. 
5  plantation 
one  serious 
)  many  ad- 
rs  of  rattle- 
hcy  would 
themselves 
>f  Shelby's 
,  when  he 
etor  of  this 
iuert/:  Are 
tly  weighty 
ind  by  the 
J  of  war — 
,  mayren- 
mportance. 
/  yard,  and 
in  rifle  shot 


present  a 
there  you 
:  curiously 
)t  correctly 
en.  Mel- 
t  extant,  is 
kIs.  Put- 
:  one  mile 
;  of  fifteen 
iree  Sisters 


aing  from 


1^1 

ilie  point  of  the  peninsula  to  the  nearest  is- 
lands, where  they  range  in  uixlisturbed  secu- 
rity. They  have  very  sensibly  increased  in 
numbers,  since  the  declaration  of  war,  by 
reason  of  the  Indians  having  had  no  time  to 
hunt.  The  velocity  of  a  deer's  motion  in 
water  when  swimming,  if  frightened  and  pur- 
sued, is  incredible.  Few  boats  are  able  to 
overtake  them. 

The  "  myriads  of  water  snakes,"  which 
were  basking  on  the  leaves  of  the  pond  lilly, 
at  the  time  Carver  passed  the  islands,  are  not  to 
be  seen  at  this  day.  Neither  has  any  one  ever 
been  able  to  discover  his  deleterious  "  hissing 
snake."*  When  will  the  sagacious  geographer 
Morse  reject  this  fable  ? 

Several  families  have  settled  on  the  Isle  au 
Plait,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  cattle  and 
hogs,  which  are  found  to  do  extremely  wf  11, 
and  that  without  receiving  mucli  attention  from 


*  The  most  rrmarkable  of  the  different  species  that  in- 
fest this  lake,  [Erie]  is  the  hissing  snake,  which  is  of  the 
small  speckled  kindf,  and  is  about  eight  inches  long.— > 
When  any  thing  approaches,  it  flattens  itsf  If  in  a  moment, 
and  its  spots,  which  are  of  various  dyes,  become  visibly 
brighter  through  rage  ;  at  the  same  time  it  blows  from  its 
mouth,  with  great  force,  a  subtile  wind,  that  is  reptirted 
to  be  of  a  nauseous  smell ;  and  if  drawn  in  with  the  breath 
of  the  unwary  traveller,  will  infallibly  bring  on  a  decline, 
that  in  a  few  months  must  prove  mortal,  there  being  no 
remedy  yet  discovered  whlcn  can  counteract  its  baneful 
influence. — {Carver.'] 


\l 


as 


jJMirijliiiiiiii,iiiiM 


— *'    •^nfl i-'  I 


132 


the  owners.     One  family  often  own  three  <x 
four  hundred  hpgs. 

The  peninsula  projects  ten  miles  into  the 
lake,  and  is  formed  by  Sandusky  bay  and  Por- 
tage river,  which  at  their  nearest  approach  are 
not  more  than  a  mile  and  a  half  apart.  The 
intervening  land  is  a  perfect  level,  of  a  rich 
black  soil,  and  not  mure  than  six  feet  above  the 
surface  of  both  waters.  A  canal  across  this 
neck,  which  would  cost  but  a  few  thousand 
dollars,  would  save  boats  nearly  thirty  miles  of 
dangerous  navigation.  The  liead  of  the  pen- 
insula, proves  frequently  a  difficult  point  to 
weather.  The  west,  south-west,  and  north- 
west Winds  genei^ally  prevail:  hence,  boats 
often  experience  several  days  delay  in  their 
passage  round  the  point. 

The  peninsula  contains  about  one  hundreJ 
thousand  acres  and  may  at  no  remote  period 
nourish  a  populous  settlement :  the  soil  is  in 
most  places  a  deep  black  mold,  covered  with 
black  walnut,  butternut,  honey  locust,  bass- 
wood  and  oak;  the  surface  is  apparently  as 
leve!  as  the  almost  surrounding  waters,  though 
there  is  an  impreceptible  acclivity  from  the 
neck  to  its  terminating  point,  where  the  bank 
is  twenty  feet  high.  About  a  dozen  families 
had  settled  on  its  eastern  margin  before  the 
war,  but  the  menaces  of  the  Indians  soon  com- 
pelled  them  to  abandon  their  habitations. — 
Those  parts  lying  on  the  bay  and  Portage 


own  three  ot 


liles  into  the 
bay  and  Por- 
approach  are 

apart.  The 
el,  of  a  rich 
eet  above  the 
il  across  this 
few  thousand 
lirty  miles  of 
i  of  the  pen- 
ult point  to 

and  north- 
lence,  boats 
slay  in  their 


>ne  hundret' 
mote  period 
he  soil  is  in 
covered  with 
ocust,  bass- 
pparently  as 
ters,  though 
ty  from  the 
re  the  bank 
sen  families 
before  the 
5  soon  com- 
bitations. — 
tid  Portage 


133 

hav^  proved  sickly,  while  those  washed  by  the 
lake  are  flivourable  to  heahh.  The  pebbles  of 
the  beach,  as  well  as  the  rocks  of  the  shore  are 
limestone :  the  same  of  the  islands. 

Sandusky  bay,  or  rather  the  "  Little  Lake, ^^ 
as  it  is  termed  by  the  itihabitants,  is  twelve 
miles  long,  and  eight  wide.  Al  the  narrows, 
where  it  communicates  with  lake  Erie,  it  is  not 
more  than  half  a  mile  wide.  It  affords  an  ex- 
cellent harbour  Tor  boats,  and  light  vesstiS. 
Clouds  of  ducks  are  at  all  times  seen  flying 
about  the  bay  :  fish  can  be  taken  in  abundance. 
Bull's  island  on  which  have  resided  several 
French  families,  is  situated  on  the  north  side. 
The  bay  receives  the  waters  of  Sandusky  river, 
Cold  and  Pipe  creeks :  at  the  mouth  of  Cold 
creek  stands  a  small  deserted  Indian  villagv  be- 
longing to  the  chief  Mukoonse  ;  the  farm  of 
this  chief  is  of  itself  a  fortune. 

The  Sandusky  is  a  considerable  river,  and 
boatable  about  seventy  miles.  Its  waters  in- 
terweave with  those  of  the  Big  Miami.  Its 
course  from  its  source  to  the  lake  is  nearly 
northeast.  Vessels  of  fifty  tons  burden  can 
ascend  as  far  as  Fort  Stephenson,  18  miles 
from  its  entrance  into  the  little  lake.  The 
current,  thus  far,  is  sluggish  and  opposes  very 
little  resistance  to  boats  going  up  :  indeed,  it 
not  unfrequently  sets  up  the  river,  in  conse- 
quence  of  the  ribe  of  the  'ike;— hence  the 
banks  of  this  river    as  wf»ll  nu  *-i^«e«  ,.f  'p^..-, 

M 


£&SZ 


i/iT'.'?.'^.¥* *«.;:„ :: 


J 


V^i 


f  / 


134 

Saints,  Miami,  Raisins,  he,  have  the  rescnv- 
blance  of  those  of  tide-water  streams.     The 
knd  on  both  banks  of  the  Sandwsky  is  almost 
every  where  rich  ^  the  first  ten  miles  the  timber 
is  principally  oak,  with  little  mider-wood ;  the 
interval  or  bottom  extends  with  little  interrupt 
tion  from  fort  Stephenson  to  Upper  Sandusky, 
a  distance  of  forty  miles,  and  its  fertility  is 
enough  to  astonish  people,  who  have  not  tra- 
velled westwardly  beyond  the  Genesee.     The 
river  abounds  with  several  kinds  of  valuable 
fish  J   wild  geese  and  ducks,    particularly  in 
spring  and  autumn,  are  so  thick  that  one  need 
never  be  at  a  loss  for  a  shot  at  them.     Tlie 
prairies  are  open  and  extensive ;  they  are  al- 
ways surrounded  by  fine  oak  and  chesnut  land, 
which  will  furnish  the  best  of  rail  timber. — 
The^swales  are  covered  with  lynn,  sugar  ma- 
ple, honey  locust,  cucumber,  red  elm,    &c. 
Farms  might  be  so  chosen  that  the  proprietor 
could  take  equal  quantities  of  bottom,  open 
and  heavy  timbered  lands.    ITie  country,  af- 
ter you  get  ten  or  fifteen  miles  from  the  lake, 
is  found  to  be  healthful ;  and  so  even  is  its 
surface,  that  roads  caii  be  readily  opened  in 
every  direction.     Besides,  there  is  another  ad- 
vantage, which  no  other  country  this  side  the 
Missisippi  possesses  in  an  equal  degree:    I 
mean  the  range  for  cattle  and  hogs : — There 
is  a  natural  meadow  independent  of  the  im- 
mense prairies,  ninety  miles  long  and  from  two 
to  ten  wide,  extending  from  the  mouth  of 
Portage,  to  Brownstown.    This  meadow  will 


,^.^3b;.^pMjiy  -:;.^^'^t.*. 


the  rescnv- 
;ams.     The 
iy  is  almost 
s  the  timber 
-wood;  the 
tie  interrupt 
'  Sandusky, 
i  fertility  is 
ive  not  tra- 
esee.     The 
of  valuable 
ticularly  in 
at  one  need 
bem.     Tlie 
hey  are  al- 
tesnut  land, 
timber. — 
sugar  ma- 
elm,    &c» 
•  proprietor 
:tcm,  open 
buntry,  af- 
tn  the  lake, 
even  is  its 
opened  in 
mother  ad- 
lis  side  the 
degree :    I 
s : — There 
)f  the  im- 
1  from  two 
tnouth  of 
eadow  will 


135 

afford  an  inexhaustable  supply  of  grass  or  hay 
for   all  the  cattle  which  the  inhabitants  can 
raise  or  procure,  probably  for  half  a  century 
to  come.     The  earth  yields  wild   artichokes 
and   wild  potatoes  in   podigious  quantities; 
and,  the  mast  has  never  been  known  to  fail, 
because,  there  are  so  many  kinds  that  every 
season  is  favourable  to  some ;  there  are  hickory 
nuts,  hazel  nuts,  chesnuts,  acorns,  locust  seed 
and  black  walnuts.     The  prairies  themselves 
are  covered  with  a  redundant  growth  of  grass 
which  has  been  found  a  good  substitute  for 
hay.     When  they  are  sufficiently  plowed  they 
asily  take  timothy  and  other  hay  seed— the 
soil  is  a  rich  dry  muck  and  produces  com, 
flax,  hemp,  potatoes,  &c.  as  well  as  the  best 
Ohio  bottoms.     The  celebrated  vale  of  Tempe 
was  not  more  enchanting  to  tlie  eye  of  the 
ravished  beholder,  than  is  the  scenery  of  these 
beautiful  plains :  An  officer  of  the  north- west- 
ern  army,  thus  describes  an  extensive  prairie : 
—"After    travelling  some    scores   of   miles 
[from  Urbanna]  through  a  thick  and  continu- 
ed forest,  and  suddenly  emerging  from  it  into 
this  extensive  plain,  the  sensations  produced 
upon  the  mind  are  delightful  beyond  descrip- 
tipn.     The  traveller  is  almost  ready  to  ima- 
gine  himself   suddenly  transported    into  the 
Elysium  of  the  ancients.     Let  the  reader  figure 
to  himself  a  beautiful  plain,  extending  many 
miles,  even  until  the  distant  horizon  terminates 
his^viev^;  jet  this  plain  be  covered  with  the 
ncijcst  veiduie  and  the  finest  tints  of  nature 


I 


136 


!      I- 


i  i 


#«• 


f 


in  its  greiitest  exuberance,  and  variegated  with 
distaiu  clusters  of  trees,  and  he  will  have  some 
faint  idea  of  the  grounds  here  described.  In- 
deed the  philosophic  mind  will  rarely  enjoy  a 
richer  feast  than  nature  here  prest  nts  him." 

A  barrel  of  pork,  beef  or  flour,  can  be  sent 
to  Montreal  for  one  dollar  and  seventy-five  cents. 
The  land  belongs  to  the  United  States,  and  can 
be  had  for  two  dollars  an  acre. — These  pecu- 
liar advantages  have  not  escaped  the  notice  of 
many  enterprizing  men,  who  had  began  to  break 
ground,  just  as  the  war  commenced; — that 
event  has  necessarily  suspended  the  settlements; 
but  they  will  undoubtedly  be  resumed  the  en- 
suing spring. 

Fort  Stephenson  is  situated  on  the  west  bank 
of  the  Sandusky,  at  the  distance  of  two  hun- 
dred yards  from  the  river,  where  the  second 
banks  are  about  fifty  feet  high.  Seven  miles 
^bove  the  fort  are  the  Seneca  and  Delaware  In- 
dian villages.  The  distance  from  this  post  to 
fort  Meigs  is  forty  miles;  the  road  passes 
through  the  Black  Swamp,  which  is  four  miles 
wide.  The  country  between  this  road  and  the 
great  meadow  is  too  flat  for  cultivation,  though 
the  soil  is  extremely  rich. 

Portage  river  is  a  deep  languid  stream,  fur- 
nishing an  excellent  harbour  for  small  craft  at 
its  mouth.     It  rises  in  the  Black  swamp  and  is 

not     lT>r\r«*»     frion     fhir't-ir     milckci     Innrw  •     K.if     lo 


V/XIV- 


137 


^gated  with 
have  some 
ribed.  In- 
rcly  enjoy  a 
i  him." 

:an  be  sent 
/■-five  cents, 
cs,  and  can 
hese  pecu- 
e  notice  of 
;an  to  break 
ced ; — that 
;ettlements; 
[led  the  en- 


i  west  bank 
■  two  hun- 
the  second 
even  miles 
daware  In- 
his  post  to 
3ad  passes 
four  miles 
>ad  and  the 
on,  though 


ream,  fur- 
all  craft  at 
amp  and  is 


hundred  yards  wide  six  miles  from  the  lake ; 
the  land  on  both  sides  is  rich.  The  remains 
of  an  Indian  village  are  to  be  seen  on  its  left 
bank,  where  there  is  also  a  peach  orchard; 
this  river  is  a  place  of  great  resort  for  wild 
fowl.  There  is  a  United  States  store  house 
on  the  Portage  road  from  Sandusky  bay  to 
the  mouth  of  the  river.  There  is  very  little 
timber  growing  on  the  neck  of  the  peninsula. 
No  white  man  has  as  yet  had  the  hardihood  to 
settle  at  the  mouth  of  Portage,  though  the  ad- 
vantages of  the  range  are  incalculable ;  besides 
there  will  always  be  much  travelling  across  the 
Portage. 

The  Great  Meadow  cannot  contain  less 
than  two  hundred  thousand  acres.  Its  bank 
is  generally  about  eight  feet  above  the  sur- 
face of  the  lake.  The  soil  is  in  many  parts 
sufficiently  dry  for  ploughing,  and  traces  of 
old  Indian  com  hills  are  frequently  met  with. 
I  had  the  best  opportunity  for  exploring  that 
part  which  lies  between  Miami  bay  and  Port- 
age river.  Sergeant  Abraham,  myself  and 
three  others,  of  M*Clelland's  company,  were 
dispatched  from  fort  Meigs  with  a  letter,  from 
gen.  M* Arthur  to  general  Harrison.  We  de- 
scended the  Miami  in  a  canoe,  and  at  sun  set 
had  just  reached  the  bay,  which  like  thiit  of 
Sandusky  has  every  appearance  of  a  lake — 
it  soon  became  dark  and  windy,  and  instead 
of  striking  the  mouth  of  the  bay  we  made  land 
inside,  several  miles  too  far  to  the  risrht.— 

M2 


•  ;!*#:/>  •■i*"-- 


m 


■i'  ► 


tt  was  about  midnight  when  we  landed ;  \v<i 
were  coippletely  lost,  and  the  darkness  ren- 
dered it  ihipracticable  to  correct  our  mistake 
before  dayligiit.  We  therefore  hauled  up  our 
canoe  and  concealed  ourselves  in  the  grass  till 
morning.  My  comrades  slept  soundly;  as 
for  me,  it  was  the  first  time  1  had  been  ex- 

Eosed  to  the  tomahawk,  and  every  rust)    c    ' 
card  I  fancied  it  was  caused  by  the  foot!^      , 
of  a  savage — my  eyes  never  closed  that  night. 
At  the  dawn  of  day  we  repaired  to  tlje  beach 
and  foimd  our  canoe  completely  filled  by  the 
dashing  of  the  surf.     We  had  left  every  thin.^ 
in  the  canoe  but  our  musket,  [we  had  but  one]  » 
hour  ammunition  and  provisions  were  com- 
pletely soaked.     Here  we  were ;  in  an  Indian 
Country  with  nothing  to  defend   >urselves  with 
but  an  ax  and  a  musket  which  could  not  be 
discharged.     I  could  not  persuade  my  com- 
panions to  bail  the  canoe  and  proceed  by  wa- 
ter; tliey  preferred  going  down  the  beach  of 
the  lake;  the  distance  was  forty  miles.     We 
were  then  not  more  than  one  mile  from  the 
lake,   and  by  forcing  our  way  through  the 
grass  of  the  meadow  we  could  save  several 
miles  travel ;  this  we  attempted,  but  found  the 
grass  higher  than  our  heads  and  as  thick  as  a. 
mat,  confined  together  by  a  species  of  pea 
vine,  which  compelled  us  to  tread  it  under  our 
feet  to  make  the  least  progress;  this  opera- 
tion was  too  slow  and  fatiguing  to  be  long  con- 
tinued ;  besides  the  trail  which  we  made  was 
too  conspicuous  for  my  then  notions  of  prudence^ 


landed;  \ve 
irkness  ren- 
our  mistake 
uled  up  our 
he  grass  till 
oundly ;  as 
id  been  ex- 
f  rusti  . 
he  foot^^  -, 
that  night, 

0  tl)c  beach 
lied  by  the 
every  thin.^ 
=id  but  one] 
were  com- 

1  an  Indian 
rselves  with 
luld  not  be 
t  my  com- 
eed  by  wa- 
e  beach  of 
iiiles.  We 
e  from  the 
brough  the 
ave  several 
t  found  the 
i  thick  as  a. 
:ies  of  pea 
t  under  our 
this  opera- 
e  long  con- 
made  was 

f  prudence^ 


139 

and  in  the  course  of  a  few  rods  we  had  disturb* 
ed  several  rattle  snakes — one  of  our  party  was 
barefoot,  the  rest  in  shoes. 

We  retraced  our  steps,  followed  the  beach 
to  the  mouth  of  the  bay  and  thence  down  the 
hke  shore.     About  twelve  we  found  our  pro- 
gress stojDped  by  a  deep  dark  stream,  which 
we  at  first  supposed  to  be  Portage  river.     A 
majority  of  the  company  voted  against  swim- 
mnig ;   (indeed  one  could  not  swim)  and  we 
could  not  find  materials  for  a  raft.    The  mea- 
dow is  here  apparently  ten  miles  wide.     It  was 
thought,  if  we  could  gain  the  woods  we  could 
either  ford  or  raft  across  the  river.     Accord- 
mgly  we  firmly  resolved  to  force  our  passage 
through  the  grass  to  the  woods ;  we  were  in- 
duced to  adopt  this  alternative,  in  consequence 
of  observing  tlie  yellow   blossoms  of  a  tall 
weed,  which  lined  the  banks  of  the  river,   as 
far  as  we  could  see  them,  and  which  always 
,^row  on  the  dryest  parts.     We  pushed  on  as 
fast  as  possible ;  each  one  taking  his  turn  to 
open  a  passage;  in  this  way  we  progressed 
about  two  miles  and  found  the  labour  too  great 
to    be    surmounted.     We    returned    to    the 
mouth  of  the  river,   (which  we    afterwards 
learnt  to  be  the  Tons  Saints)  and  attempted  to 
gain  the  woods  by, a  new  passage  one  mile  fur- 
ther up  the  lake.     We  forced  the  grass  nearly 
a  mile  to  a  ji^ove  <tf  trees  which  appeared  to 
be  within  a  short  distance  of  an  arm  of  the 
main  woods.  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  give  the 


'|.r 


1!. 


140 


reader  a  perfect  idea  of  the  difficulties  and  fa- 
tigue we  experienced  in  getting  to  the  grove. 
The  grass  was  about  seven  feet  high  and  so 
thick  that  it  would  easily  sustain  one's  hat— in 
some  places  a  cat  could  have  walked  on  its 
surface  ;  in  many  places  it  was  effectually  mat- 
ted by  vines  that  required  one's  whole  strength 
to  break  it  down,  i  o  break  the  road  four  rods 
was  as  much  as  the  best  of  us  could  perform 
at  one  turn.  We  continued  our  exertions  till 
dark  and  succeeded  in  reaching  an  insulated 
piece  of  woods  half  a  mile  wide  and  three 
long ;  we  encamped  near  the  banks  of  an  im- 
passable slough  or  branch  of  the  river ;  wet, 
fatigued  and  supperless,  we  lay  down  on  the 
moist  ground  and  had  but  two  blankets  among 
five  of  us.  Not  a  moment's  sleep  for  my  eyes 
this  night ;  but  neither  the  dan^r  of  the  rat- 
tle snake's  fangs  or  the  horrors  of  the  scalping 
knife  had  any  influence  with  my  comrades; 
they  slept  as  soundly  as  though  they  had  been 
under  their  paternal  roofs.  But  they  had 
been  so  long  familiarized  to  danger,  that  it  had 
lost  its  terrors — Iwsls  a  raw  hand;  hence  the 
difference.  The  geese,  ducks  and  other  fowl 
kept  up  an  incessant  noise  the  whole  night. — 
The  dew  had  the  effect  of  a  shower — our 
clothes  and  blankets  were  as  wet  as  though 
they  had  been  exposed  to  a  heavy  rain.  In 
the  morning,  finding  our  progress  checked, 
we  attempted  an  "  oblique  movement  to  the 
left,"  but  this  produced  no  better  success ;  at 
ten  o'clock  we  became  too  much  exhausted 


air  .1 


Uh 


ties  and  fa- 
the  grove, 
gh  and  so 
e's  hat — in 
ked  on  its 
tually  mat- 
)le  strength 
d  four  rods 
lid  perform 
^ertions  till 
1  insulated 
and  three 
of  an  im- 
river ;  wet, 
iwn  on  the 
iLets  among 
or  my  eyes 
of  the  rat- 
he scalping 
comrades ; 
y  had  been 
they  had 
that  it  had 
hence  the 
other  fowl 
ie  night. — 
lower — our 
as  though 
y  rain.     In 
s  checked, 
lent  to  the 
mccess;  at 
exhausted 


141 

to  continue  our  efforts.     "  A  council  of  war,'* 
was  held  ;  the  result  was,  every  one  was  wil- 
ling  to  return  to  the  mouth  of  the  river  and 
eficct  its  passage  at  every  hazard.     On   our 
return  to  the  river,  we  found  fresh  horse  and 
Indian  tracks,  but  whether  they  were  made  by 
friendly  or   hostile   Indians,    we  never  learnt. 
We  had  the  good  fortune  to  find  a  piece  of 
drift  wood  sufficiently  large  to  sustain  the  man 
that  could  not  swim,  our  clothes,  &c.     Of  this 
we  made  a  rude  raft,  with  which  we  succeeded 
in  getting  over.     Suffice  it  to  say,  in  conclu- 
sion, that  we  afterwards  found  too  many  op- 
portunities to  become  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  this  immense  meadow.     It  is  no  exagge- 
ration to  say  that  we  met  with  rattlesnakes 
every  ten  rods  from  Tous  Saints>  to  Portage 
river.     The  grass  of  this  meadow  is  of  a  softer 
kind  than  the  wild  grass  of  the  prairies,  and  an- 
swers all  the  purposes  of  hay  and  pasture.     It  id 
intermixed  with  wild  oats,  wild  rye,  wikl  peas, 
beans,  &c.  making  it  in  short,  the  best  range  for 
cattle  or  horses,  I  ever  saw. — The  Tous  Saints 
is  an  unfrequented  solitary  river,  and  the  best 
place  for  fowling  this  side  of  Detroit.  To  those 
attached  to  this  khid  of  sport,  it  is  worth  a  jour- 
ney  of  five  hundred  miles,  to  view  the  feathered 
assernblage  which  almost  cover  the  surface  of 
the  river,  and  sometimes  darken  the  air  with 
their  numbers. 


Miami  bay,  like  that  of  Sandusky,  resem- 

-    ■       —^      It  13  iii/uui  liilCCii  iliiiCS  iOIlg     


j 


f 


(I.    i(( 


KC 


ana 


142 

twelve  wide ;  vessels  of  70  tons  burthen  can 
pass  the  bar  at  its  entrance.     Within  the  bo- 
som of  this  bay  grow  several  thousand  acres 
oi  follie  avoiney  (wild  oats)  which  constitutes 
the  principal  food  of  the  vast  flocks  of  ducks, 
that  frequent  the  place.     It  grows  in  about  7 
feet  water ;  the  stalks  near  the  roots  arc  about 
an  inch  in  di:  meter,  and  grow  to  the  height 
of  ten  feet ;  its  leaves  above  the  surface  of  the 
water,  are  like  those  of  the  reed  cane.;  in  other 
respects  it  resembles  the  common  oat  stalk  in 
every  tiling  but  size  and  kernel,  which  is  of 
the  nature  of  rice,  and  of  which  the  Fi  nch 
people  make  a  free  use  in  their  favourite  soup. 
Its  yiefd  is  very  abundant,  being  half  a  pint, 
at  least,    from    every  stalk.     This    valuable 
aquatic  grain  is  found  at  the  mouths  of  all  the 
rivers  which  fall  into  the  lakes  west  of  Sandus- 
ky, as  far  as  the  south  end  of  lake  Michigan, 
and  is  the  chief  subsistance  of  the  prodigious 
number  of  water  fowl  which  are  found  on  these 
waters.     The  duck  has  become  singulaily  exJ. 
pert  in  plucking  her  food  from  ihefoilie  avoine; 
being  unable  to  reach  the  highest  branches,  she 
presses  her  breast  against  the  stalk  and  with 
a  violent  effort  of  her  feet  causes  it  to  yield 
to  her  strength,  which  it  readily  does  by  rea- 
son of  its  slender  fibrous  root§ — having  forced 
the  top  of  the  stalk  into  the  water,  she  keeps 
it  under  her  body  until  she  has  %iished  her 
repast. 


jurthen  can 
thin  the  bO' 
Lisand  acres 

constitutes 
s  of  ducks, 

in  about  7 
ts  arc  about 

the  height 
rface  of  the 
le.;  in  other 
oat  stalk  in 
tvhich  is  of 
the  Fr  nch 
)unte  soup, 
half  a  pint, 
s  valuable 
IS  of  all  the 
of  Sandus- 
;  Michigan, 
prodigious 
id  on  these 
gulai'ly  exi 
dlie  avoine; 
[inches,  she 
k  and  with 
it  to  yield 
>es  by  rea- 
k'ing  forced 

she  keeps 
nished  her 


143 


The  Miami-of  ♦he-lake  is  a  fine  river  navi- 
gable for  light  vessels  as  far  as  the  rapids, 
which  are  18  miles  from  its  mouth.  It  is  form- 
ed  by  the  junction  of  the  St.  Mary»s  and 
the  St.  Joseph's,  which  mingle  their  waters  at 
fort  Wayne;  from  thence  it  meanders  through 
a  rich  level  country  to  fort  Winchester,  (lately 
fort  Defiance)  where  it  receives  the  Au  Glaize 
from  the  south  east;  its  general  course  is 
north-east;  its  banks  are  regular — high,  but 
not  abrupt — sloping  gradually  to  the  water's 
edge,  and  covered  with  a  beautiful  luxuriant 
verdure.  The  channel  of  the  river  from  the 
rapids,  to  within  three  miles  of  the  bay  is 
composed  of  limestone  rock,  formed  into  re- 
gular strata  by  parallel  fissures,  which  sink 
perpendicularly  into  the  rock,  and  run  trans- 
versely across  the  river.  The  face  of  the 
bank  for  ten  or  twelve  feet  above  the  water  is 
also  composed  of  solid  rock,  and  from  its  ap- 
pearance It  is  evident  that  the  current  has  worn 
the  channel  many  feet  deeper  than  it  was  in 
former  ages.       ^ 

Fort  Meigs  is  situated  on  the  eastern  bank 
nearly  opposite  the  Rapids;  the  prospect  here 
in  summer  is  most  delightful. 

The  rich  open  bottoms  extending  to  the 
^ight  and  left,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach ;  the 
elevation  of  the  banks;  th-' beautiful  Miami 
flowing  rapidly  through  the  centre  of  the  val- 
ley, the  declivities  of  the  surrounding  hills 


I 


144 


here  and  there  adorned  with  clusters  of  honey 
locust,  pkim  trees  and  hawthorn,  clad  with  the 
wide  spreading  grape  vine — present  at  once  a 
romantic  and  interesting  scenery. 


\V 


No  one  can  visit  this  place  and  not  be  charm 
ed  with  its  appearance  and  peculiar  advan- 
tages. If  fishing  be  his  favourite  diversion, 
here  he  will  attain  his  utmost  gratification. — 
The  quantity  of  fish  at  the  rapids  is  almost 
incredible;  the  Miami  at  this  place,  is  now 
what  the  rapids  of  Fish  creek  in  Saratoga 
county  were  40  years  ago.  So  numerous  are 
they  at  this  place,  that  a  spear  may  be  thrown 
into  the  water  at  random,  and  will  rarely 
miss  killing  one  !  I  saw  several  hundred  taken 
in  this  manner  in  a  few  hours.  The  soldiers 
of  the  fort,  used  to  kill  them  in  great  quanti- 
ties,  with  clubs  tmd  stones.  Some  days  there 
were  not  less  than  1000  taken  with  the  hook 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  fort,  and  of  an 
excellent  quality.  If  he  prefer  fowling,  here 
also  is  a  fine  field  for  his  sports  ;  the  river — - 
Swan  creek,  and  the  shoals  of  the  bay,  swarm 
with  ducks,  geese,  &c.  He  need  not  wait  one 
rninute  for  a  shot.  If  hunting  is  the  object  of 
his  desire,  here  too,  he  will  find  ample  scope  to 
indulge  his  propensity ;  the  woods  are  filled  with 
deer,  elk,  and  wild  turkies. 

The  whole  length  of  tlie  rapids  on  both 
sides  the  river,  will  unquestionably,  at  no  re« 
mote  period,  be  lined  with  mills  and  various 


rs  of  honey 
ad  with  the 
tit  at  once  a 


IV 


t  be  charm* 
liar  advan- 
:  diversion, 
ification. — 
s  is  almost 
:c,  is  now 
1  Saratoga 
merous  are 
r  be  thrown 
will  rarely 
idred  taken 
he  soldiers 
eat  quanti- 

days  there 
h  the  hook 

and  of  an 
^vling,  here 
the  river — - 
ay,  swarm 
ot  wait  one 
e  object  of 
lie  scope  to 
;  filled  with 


s  on  both 
,  at  no  re*' 
id  various 


US 

manufactories.     The    situation  is    peculiarly 
favourable ;  it  opens  a  communication  with  an 
immense  extent  of  country,  south  and  west- 
Wardly ;  the  advantages  of  locality,  water,  na- 
''igation,  &c.  are  too  striking  to  be  overlooked 
by  the  enterprising.     Cotton  could  be  procur- 
cd  from  Tennessee  in  any  quantity,  and  sub- 
ject to  a  land  carriage  of  not  more  than  20 
miles !   The  rapidly  encreasing  settlements  on 
lake  Erie,  will  render  manufactories  indisi^en- 
sable.     Besides,  this  place  affords  a  beautiful 
scite  for  a  town  ;  and  there  is  little  doubt  but 
that,  in  a  short  time,  there  will  be  a  flourish- 
ing  village,  on  the  ground  where  now  stands 
fort    Meigs.     Before    the    war,    there  was  a 
flourishing    French    settlement    on   the  river, 
extending  for  several  miles  above  and  below 
the  town.     The  houses  were  all  destroyed  bv 
the  enemy  a  few  weeks  after  Hull's  surrender, 
and  nothing  now  remains  as  a  memento  of  its 
former  existence  but  the  chimnies.     The  usu- 
al yield  of  corn  is  80  bushels  to  the  acre.— 
There  was  also  a  small  settlement  on  Swan 
creek,    which    shared  the    same    fate.     This 
creek  falls  into  the  Miami  seven  miles  below 
the  fort,  on  the  Michigan  side.     An  enterpris- 
mg  man  of  the  name  of  Owens  had  erected  a 
mill  on  this  stream ;  it  was  burnt  by  the  In- 
dians. 

About  three  miles  below  fort  Meigs,  on  the 
same  side,  are  found  the  ruins  of  an  ancient 
Indian  village;   between  these  ruins  and  the 

N 


I 


Jk- 

f 


146 

fort  are  several  beautiful  islands ;  the  largest 
contains  500  acres,  and  has  been  cultivated. 

The  distance  by  land  from  fort  Meigs  to  the 
river  Raisin  is  34  miles.  Four  miles  this  side 
Raisin,  the  little  river  La  Loutre  falls  into 
lake  Erie.  Several  families  of  French  were 
established  here  before  the  war,  but  their  hab- 
itations were  mostly  burnt  shortly  after  the 
fall  of  Detroit.  This  stream  affords  a  good 
harbour  for  boats.  I  was  told  by  several  of 
the  inhabitants  that  the  land  about  the  head 
waters  of  this  river  is  very  fertile — that  there 
are  several  valuable  mill  seats  near  its  sour- 
ces,      i 

The  Lake  coast  from  Sandusky  bay  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Raisin  resembles  that  part  be- 
tween the  bay  and  Portage  rwer,  already  de- 
scribed. I  had  forgotten  to  mention  that  the 
margin  of  the  coast  is  several  feet  higher  than 
the  plain  in  its  rear,  this  necessary  mound  ex- 
tends the  whole  length  of  the  meadow — its 
summit  is  covered  with  a  row  of  trees,  which 
Jn  their  turns  in  summer  are  covered  with  an 
impenetrable  foliage  of  grape  vine  ;  these  form 
refreshing  shades-r-grapes  are  found  in  abun- 
dance, but  they  are  of  the  species  usually  called 
fox  grapes. 

The  mound  was  evidently  formed  of  sand, 
shells  and  pebbles,  which  the  violence  of  the 
surf  has  been  accumulating  for  ages ;  if  it  were 


the  largest 
Itivated. 

[eigs  to  the 
es  this  side 
e  falls  into 
ench  were 

their  h^b- 
r  after  the 
ds  a  good 

several  of 
t  the  head 
-that  there 
ir  its  sour- 


bay  to  the 
It  part  be- 
alreadv  de- 
311  that  the 
ligher  than 
Qound  ex- 
ladovv — its 
jes,  which 
d  with  an 
these  form 
d  in  abun- 
lally  called 


d  of  sand, 
[ice  of  the 
;  if  it  were 


147 

not  for  this  defence  the  lake  would  often  inun- 
date the  immensely  valuable  meadow  and  cover 
It  with  sand  and  stones. 

If  I  were  disposed  to  indulge  in  geological 
speculations  on  the  formation  of  this  vast  plain, 
I  would  contend,  that  lake  Erie  was,  in  former 
ages,  several  miles  wider  than  at  present,  and  I 
would  prove  my  argument  by  the  state  of  the 
second  bank,  at  the  woods,  where  are  to  be  found 
cylindrical  or  water- worn  stones,  muscle  shells, 
hillocks  of  sand  and  other  evidences  of  the  ac- 
tion of  this  inland  sea. 

The  river  Aux    Raisin   (grape  river)   has 
acquired  great  celebrity  in    consequence    of 
havmg  been  the  scene  of  a  sanguinary  conflict 
between  the  American  and  British  forces.     It 
IS  snialler  than  the  Miami  and  its  banks  are 
equally   handsome   with  those  of  that  river; 
but  towards  its  mouth  much  lower.   Its  source 
IS  near  that  of  the  Maxanie  which  falls  into 
the  ea^it  side  of  lake  Michigan.     Its  course  is 
a  tew  minutes  south  of  east.     The  country  at 
Its  head  is  represented  by  hunters  and  Indians 
to  be  delightful.     Towards  the  lake  it  mean- 
ders  through  the  meadow,  and  forms  a  £?ood 
harbour  for  boats.     The  country  is  settled  alon^ 
both  banks,  for  the  space  of  twelve  miles.-- 
1  he  first  houses  are  about  three  miles  distant 
trom  the  lake.     The  plantations  have  a  nar- 
row  front  on  the  river,  but  extend  back  a  mile 
and  a  half;  the  houses  being  all  built  on  the 


148 


ii 


I 


bank  of  the  river,  gkves  it  something  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  street  of  a  town.  The  inhabi- 
tants raise  large  quantities  of  wheat,  and  have 
fine  orchards  from  which  cider  is  made  for 
exportation.  Previous  to  the  war  they  had 
several  grist  and  saw  mills  and  a  distillery. — 
They  are  principally  French,  and  warmly  at- 
tached to  the  United  States.  A  considerable 
Indian  trade  is  carried  on  with  the  Indians 
from  the  St.  Joseph's  and  the  waters  of  lake 
Michigan.  There  are  several  Indian  villages 
on  the  river  above  the  settlement.  Good 
bargains  can  be  made  in  purchasing  improved 
farms ;  the  inhabitants  do  not  appear  to  under- 
stand th^  value  of  improvements.  The  country 
on  the  Raisin  has  acquired  a  character  for 
health,  but  it  was  visited  by  the  epidemic  of 
last  year. 

The  late  garrison  on  this  river  was  situated 
about  three  miles  from  the  lake.  It  consisted 
of  two  block  houses,  with  about  an  acre  of 
ground  enclosed  by  pickets,  at  the  distance  of 
15  rods  from  the  river.  The  scite  had  been 
injudiciously  selected,  for  defence.  After 
the  territory  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  British 
and  Indians,  they  burnt  the  block  hduses. — 
When  gen.  Winchester  advanced  to  the  river, 
in  January,  1813,  he  found  nothing  but  a  few 
pickets,  sufficient  to  defend  only  a  part  of  his 
camp. 

I  visited  the  battle  ground  and  examined 


Hg  the  ap- 
"he  inhabi- 
,  and  have 
made  for 
they  had 
istillery. — 
rarmly  at- 
)nsiderable 
le  Indians 
Ts  of  lake 
kn  villages 
lit.  Good 
;  improved 
to  under- 
lie country 
aracter  for 
pidemic  of 


IS  situated 

consisted 

»n  acre  of 

distance  of 

had  been 

e.      After 

he  British 

hduses. — 

the  river, 

but  a  few 

)art  of  his 


examined 


149 

the  remains  of  the  pickets,  which  were  com- 
pletely shattered  by  the  enemy's  shot.  The 
bones  of  our  countrymen  were  still  bleachuig 
in  the  air. 

Seven  miles  from  Raisin,  the  river  Aux 
Sables  falls  into  the  lake.  There  is  a  conside- 
rable bay  at  its  mouth  into  which  also  runs 
the  little  river  La  Roche ;  vast  quantities  of 
folle  avoine  is  found  at  the  mouths  of  these  ri- 
vers. A  few  French  families  are  settled  on 
these  waters.  The  bottom  is  extensive  and 
rich ;  the  upland  is  open  and  in  many  places 
sandy,  but  sufficiently  fertile  for  wheat  and 
barley.  I  found  no  person  acquainted  with 
the  country  in  the  interior ;  these  streams  are 
very  brisk  and  furnish  several  valuable  mill 
seats. 

Six  miles  from  the  river  La  Roche  is  the 
river  Aux  Cignes;  its  banks  near  the  lake  are 
low,  but  the  meadow  is  susceptible  of  cultiva- 
tion ;  a  few  wretched  French  families  are  the 
only  human  beings  that  have  had  the  courage 
to  brave  disease  and  rattle  snakes.  Their  wheat, 
corn,  pumpkins  and  gardens  did  well,  indeed 
there  is  very  littie  of  the  meadow  but  what 
might  be  ploughed — com,  flax  and  hemp  would 
do  best:  the  pond  \i\\y,  folle  avoine  said  other 
aquatic  plants  almost  choak;»up  the  channel 
of  the  river,  giving  the  watei^  an  offensive  and 
puurid  smell ;  it  will  rope  like  molasses,  yet  the 
inhabitants  make  a  free  use  of  it  for  cookinc 

N2  ^ 


150 


Ifi 


I 


and  drinking.  Why  it  did  not  produce  in- 
stant death  I  cannot  conceive;  their  children 
looked  miserably.  This  is  by  far  the  worst 
looking  stream  tributary  to  Lake  Erie.  The 
timbered  land  here,  approaches  within  a  mile 
of  the  lake ;  four  miles  from  the  lake  Aux 
Cigites  has  a  brisk  current,  and  aftbrds  situa- 
tions favourable  to  the  erection  of  water  ma- 
chinery. The  trees  are  lofty— the  land  higli 
and  arable. 

For  the  space  of  two  miles  between  La 
Roche  and  Aux  Cignes  the  meadow  is  inter- 
rupted by  wood  land  which  approaches  to  the 
beach.  This  situation  is  as  high  as  the  islands 
of  the  lake  and  has  the  same  soil  and  timber. 

Six  miles  from  Aux  Cignes,  in  the  direction 
of  Brownstown,  comes  in  the  river  Huron,* 
which  pursues  a  devious  coarse  through  the 
meadow  and  the  folic  avoine  of  the  lake.  It 
requires  an  experienced  pilot  to  find  the  en- 
trance^ into  this  river — it  is  not  laid  down  in 
any  English  map  now  in  use.  We  spent  a 
horrible  night  on  a  point  of  the  meadow  near 
its  mouth  on  the  last  of  October,  1813 ;  the 
rain  fell  in  torrents  the  whole  night  and  extin- 
guished our  fires ;  we  had  no  tents  and  were 
drenched  to  the  skin.     I  here  saw  an  intelli- 


*  There  ai  e  three  rivers  of  this  name — the  one  in  ques- 
tion— Huron  running  into  the  American  side  of  lake  St. 
Clair,  and  Huron  that  falls  into  lake  Erie,  ten  miles  east 
of  oandusky  bay. 


151 


>roduce  in- 
iir  children 
•  the  worst 
Erie.     The 
:hin  a  mile 
lake  Aux 
Fords  sitiia- 
water  ma- 
land  higli 


etween  La 
)w  is  inter- 
ches  to  the 
the  islands 
d  timber. 

le  direction 
r  Huron,* 
irough  the 
e  lake.  It 
nd  the  en- 
id  down  in 
Vt  spent  a 
eadow  near 
1813;  the 
and  extin- 
s  and  were 
'  an  intelli- 


e  one  m  ques- 
le  of  lake  St. 
;en  miles  east 


gent  Frenchman,  who  was  perfecdy  acquaint- 
ed with  the  interior  parts  of  the  Michigan  ter- 
ritory — I  have  only  room  to  say  that  his  ac- 
count was  very  interesting.  The  meadow 
here  is  apparently  three  miles  wide.  The 
Canada  shore  to  the  distance  of  fifteen  miles 
below  Maiden  is  visible  from  the  mouth  of 
Huron. 

The  distance  from  Huron  to  Brownstowii 
is  five  miles,  where  the  meadow  terminates — 
having  gradually  narrowed  from  the  Aux 
Cignes.  The  village  of  Brownstown  is  near- 
ly opposite  to  Maiden.  It  contains  about  one 
hundred  houses,  and  is  the  residence  of  Walk- 
in-the- Water.  The  road  from  this  village  to 
the  river  Raisin  is  naturally  good.  The  In- 
dians have  several  hundred  acres  of  rich  corn 
and  wheat  ground,  but  such  is  their  indolence 
and  fondness  for  spiritous  liquors,  that  they 
raise  very  little  corn.  Their  nearness  to  Mai- 
den has  a  very  pernicious  influence  on  their 
minds  and  morals.  They  are  much  addicted 
to  intoxication,  and  are  a  ferocious  looking  set 
of  beings. 

Four  miles  above  Brownstown  stands  the 
little  village  of  Maguago  of  twenty  houses. — 
The  strait  for  the  space  of  six  miles  from  the 
lake,  is  divided  into  two  chanaels  by  Grose 
Isky  an  alluvion  of  ten  thousand  acres,  on 
which  are  several  valuable  farms  owned  by 
Canadian  French.     J^ois  bknc  island,  in  front 


1  i 


I    V 


152 

of  Maiden  belongs  to  the  United  States ;  the 
channel  passes  between  this  island  and  Maiden. 
At  no  time  since  the  declaration  of  indepen- 
dence till  the  capture  of  Maiden,  has  the  Brit- 
ish flag  ceased  to  "  wave  over  the  territory" 
of  the  United  States;  1783  to  1794  the 
British  retained  the  frontier  posts  of  Detroit, 
Miami,  &c;  from  1794  till  1813,  they  had 
always  kept  a  small  garrison  widi  a  battery  and 
flag  staff"  on  Bois  bknc!  This  fact  cannot  be 
controverted. 

The  American  side  of  the  strait  receives  the 
rivers  Aux  Ecorces  and  Rouge;  the  first  is 
at  the  distance  of  ten,  the  latter  five  miles  be- 
low Detroit.  The  Rouge  is  a  deep  slow  stream, 
capable  of  admitting  vessels  of  three  hundred 
tons  five  miles  from  its  mouth,  where  there  is 
a  ship  yard ;  The  United  States  brig  Adams 
was  built  here :  'ts  banks  are  thickly  settled  by 
French.  Several  Indian  villages  are  establish- 
ed  on  its  head  water.  The  mouths  of  Aux 
Ecorces  and  Rouge  are  wide  and  contain  many 
hundred  acres  oifolle  avoine.  The  road  from 
Aux  Ecorces  to  Brownstown  passes  on  hard 
dry  land  and  through  several  groves  of  lofty 
white  oak  timber. 

Three  miles  below  Detroit  are  the  Spring 
Wells,  or  Belle  Fontaine.  The  bank  is  here 
about  thirty  feet  high,  and  presents  one  of  the 
finest  views  imaginable.  You  have  a  full 
A'iew  of  the  Canadian  shore  for  ten  or  fifteen 


States;  the 
id  Maiden. 
)f  indejpen- 
is  the  Brit- 
territory" 
1794    the 
[)f  Detroit, 
they  had 
mattery  and 
cannot  be 


sceives  the 
:he  first  is 
miles  be- 
)W  stream, 
2  hundred 
e  there  is 
ig  Adams 
settled  by 
establish- 
s  of  Aux 
tain  many 
road  from 
i  on  hard 
5  of  lofty 


le  Spring 
k  is  here 
me  of  the 
7e  a  full 
or  fifteen 


153 

miles,  Sandwich,  Detroit,  Les  Cotes,  and  the 
wind-mills  of  both  shores. 

The  town  of  Detroit  is  situated  on  the  west* 
em  bank  of  the  strait,  nine  miles  below  lake 
St.  Clair,  and  eighteen  above  Brownstown.— - 
The  town  contains  about  two  hundred  houses^ 
which  are  inhabited  by  more  than  one  thou- 
sand two  hundred  souls ;  under  one  roof,  are 
often  crowded  several  families.  The  town 
stands  contiguous  to  the  river,  on  tlie  top  cf 
the  bank,  which  are  here  about  twenty  feet 
high.  There  are  several  wooden  wharves  ex- 
tending into  the  river  upwards  of  one  huft- 
dred  feet,  for.  the  accommodation  of  die  ship- 
ping; the  largest  was  built  by  the  United 
States,  and  is  found  very  ccmvenient  for  the 
unloading  of  vessels.  The  principal  streets 
run  paraUel  with  the  river,  and  intersected 
by  cross  streets  at  right  angles.  They  are 
wide,  but  not  being  paved,  are  extremely 
muddy  in  wet  weather;  but  for  the  accommo^ 
dation  of  passengers,  there  arc  foot  ways  in 
most  of  them,  formed  of  square  logs.  Every 
house  has  a  garden  attached  to  it ;  the  build- 
ings  are  mostly  framed,  though  there  are  seve. 
ral  elegant  stone  and  brick  buildings.  Be- 
fore  the  great  fire  in  1806,  the  town  was  sur- 
rounded by  a  strong  stockade,  through  which 
there  were  four  gates ;  two  of  them  open  to 
the  wharves,  the  others  to  the  land ;  this  de- 
fence was  intended  to  repel  the  attacks  of  the 
Vidians., 


;•  !'•' 


[■ 


M 


I? 
li 


-  154 

The  fort  stands  on  a  rise  of  ground  two  him- 
dred  yards  m  the  rear  of  the  town  ;  the  fortifi. 
cations  consist  of  a  stockade  of  cedar  pickets, 
with  bastions  of  earth ;  near  the  foot  of  the 
ditch  IS  a  row  of  short  sharp  pickets,  inclining 
outwards— thirty  pieces  of  cannon  can  be  mount- 
€d-on  the  ramparts;  the  fort  covers  about  an  acre 
and  a  half  of  ground. 

Thvi  proximity  of  one  house   to   another 
trom  lake  St.  Clair  to  the  river  Rou^e,  mvtl 
the  street  the  resemblance  of  the  suburbs  of 
a  great   town.     The    farms    are  only  twenty 
rods  wide  on  the  river,  and  extend  back  one 
mile  apd  a  quarter ;  the  same  of  those  on  the 
other  rivers,  as  well  as  those  on  the  British  side. 
1  he    country  round    Detroit    is    very  much 
cleared.     The  inhabitants  have  to  draw  their 
wood  a  mile  and  a  half,  from  the  United  States 
lands,  m  the  rear  of  the  town.     It  sells  in  mar- 
ket  for  three  dollars  a  cord ;  almost  every  farm 
has  an  orchard ;  apples,  pears,  and  peaches  do 
well— several  hundred  barrels  of  cider  are  an- 
nually  made,  and  sells  as  high  as  six  dollars  a 
barrel.     The  land  rises  gradually  from  the  river 
to  the  distance  of  three  hundred  yards  ;  it  then 
recedes  till  the  country  becomes  low  and  level, 
and  continues  so  four  or  five  miles,  when  it 
rises  by  degrees,  and  at  this  distance  is  repre- 
sented  as  first  rate  land. 

There  ?;ce.  a  number  of  stores,  which  appear 
to  have  a  brisk  trade,  and  they  know  how  to 


155 

extort  an  exhorbitant   price  for  everv  tliine* 
sold.  '  ^ 

The  United  States  have  a  long  elegant  brick 
store  at  the  water's  edge,  near  the  public  wharf 
— this  is  completely  filled  with  the  spoils  of 
the  enemy  taken  on  the  Thames— and  the 
arms  of  the  volunteers.  This  building  is  30 
feet  long,  30  wide,  and  three  stories  high.  The 
enemy  had  partly  unroofed  it,  but  it  was  soon 
repaired. 

The  streets  of  Detroit  are  jacenerallv  crowd- 
ed with  Indians  of  various  tri'bes,  who  collect 
here  to  sell  their  skins.     You  will  hear  them 
whooping  and  shouting  in  the  streets,  the  whole 
night.     A  few    days    after    Proctor's  defeat, 
the  town  was  so  full  of  famished  savages,  that 
the  issue  of  rations  to  them  did  not  keep  pace 
with  their  hunger.     I  have  seen  the  women 
and  children,  searching  about  the  ground  for 
bones  and  rinds  of  pork,  which  had  been  thrown 
away  by  the   soldiers;   meat,  in  a  high  state 
of  putrifaction,   which  had  been  thrown  into 
the  river,  was  carefully  picked  up  and  devour- 
ed ;  the  feet,  heads,  and  entrails  of  the  cattle 
slaughtered  by  the  public  butchers,  were  col- 
lected and  sent  off  to  the  neighbouring  villa- 
ges.    I  have  counted  twenty  horses  in  a  drove, 
fancifully  decorated  with  the  offals  of  the  slaugh- 
ter-yard. 

It  is  no  more  than  an  act  of  justice,  to  the 


I'  0  '     I- 


III 

I 


passessjon 


156 

fcidians,  to  stsate,  that  during  their  ,,^._...^„ 
of  the  place,  they  conducted  better  than  could 
reasonably  have  been  expected  from  Savages. 
What  they  wanted  to  eat,  they  took  without 
ceremony,  but  rsrely  committed  any  other 
outrage. 

The  inhabitants  are  plentifully  supplied 
with  many  kinds  of  excellent  fish— the  white 
bass,  nearly  as  large  as  a  shad,  are  caught  with 
seins,  and  in  great  quantities.  The  popula- 
tion is  three  fourths  of  French  extraction,  and 
very  few  understand  any  other  language.— 
They  are  excessiveljr  fond  of  music  and  danc- 
ing. There  is  a  kind  of  nunnery,  a  Roman 
chapel  for  devotion  and  singing:  a  wretched 
printing  office  in  which  religious  French  books 
are  printed  in  a  rude  style.  Learning  is  almost 
wholly  neglected.  In  1809,  James  M.  Miller, 
ot  Utica,  established  a  weekly  paper  entitled  the 
*'  Michigan  Essay,''  but  did  not  meet  with  suf- 
ficient encouragement  to  continue  it  beyond  the 
diird  number. 

THE  END. 


93 


%f 


'  than  could 

m  Savages. 

ok  without 

any  other 


f  supplied 
—the  white 
:aught  with 
he  popular 
action,  and 
inguage.-^— 
I  and  danc- 
,  a  Roman 
I  wretched 
^ch  books 
g  is  almost 
M.  Miller, 
entitled  the 
*t  with  suf- 
beyond  the 


